Larry Joe Dunkin Sr. (Joe) age 77, of Karnak was welcomed into the arms of Jesus at 1:28 A.M. Thursday, October 31st, 2024 at Baptist Health in Paducah, Kentucky with family by his side after a short but hard-fought battle with an illness.
Joe was born October 15, 1947 to Lee and Lessie (Laminack) Dunkin in Balcom, Illinois. He was the 5th of 6 children. Joe enlisted in the US Army during the Vietnam Era. He was a truck driver for transporting troops and had the honor of guarding the White House. He was proud to be called a veteran.
Joe had a strong work ethic. He worked at Anderson’s Gas Station in Karnak for several years before working for the Village of Karnak. Joe was also the town cop. Joe medically retired in 2009 but was currently serving on the Karnak Board of Trustees.
Joe attended Eagle House Worship in Buncombe, Illinois. He did have his faith in Jesus Christ.
Joe’s greatest pride and joy was his family. He was united in marriage to Patricia Henry on September 9, 1977 after only knowing each other three weeks. They were married forty seven years.
In addition to his loving wife, Joe is survived by two sons. Larry “Joey” Dunkin Jr. (Veronica) of Karnak, Robert Fairless (Amber) of Ullin; two daughters, Tina Riley (Terry) of Anna and Kami Johnson (Charles) of Metropolis; seven grandchildren, Timothy Dunkin (Hailey) of Grand Chain, Andrew Dunkin of Lee’s Summit, Missouri, Jessi Riley of Lebanon, Illinois, Addyson and Jordan Johnson of Metropolis, Kennedi and Emeri Fairless of Ullin; two step grandchildren, Zac and Nick Riley; great-grandson, Tucker Dunkin and another great-grandson on the way; two brothers, Bob Dunkin (Bev) of Richmond, Indiana and Jerry Dunkin (Louise) of Elk Creek, Missouri; one sister, Lorene Osman of Dongola; many nieces and nephews and a special dog, Maggie.
In addition to his parents, Joe was preceded in death by his brother, Lee Dunkin Jr. and sister, Dorothy Henry and his first wife, Linda Cline.
Joe will be greatly missed by family and friends. He was most known for his grumpy face and sarcastic humor but he was willing to do anything for anyone.
Funeral services honoring the life of Mr. Larry Joe Dunkin Sr. will be held at 12 P.M. Wednesday, November 6, 2024 at Wilson Funeral Home in Karnak. Rev. Alan Milligan will be officiating. The family will receive friends Wednesday morning from 10 A.M. until the service hour at the funeral home. Interment will follow at the Cypress Cemetery.
Military honors will be accorded by the United States Army burial detail team.
Pallbearers will be Terry Riley, Charles Johnson, Timothy Dunkin, Andrew Dunkin, Dakota Penrod and Heslip Wood Sr.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Eagle House Ministries, 3590 State Rt 37 North, Buncombe, Illinois 62912