US AIR FORCE VETERAN
The family of Mr. Darwin “Gene” Dunlap, a US Air Force Veteran, requests the presence and participation of the San Antonio Patriot Guard Riders at the LEO supported procession from the Funeral Home to the Crematorium of their loved one. We are honored to accept this invitation.
Darwin “Gene” Dunlap, age 81, passed away on Monday, December 28, 2020 in San Antonio, Texas. Gene was born in Mt. Vernon, Ohio in 1939 to parents Arthur and Mildred Dunlap. He always expressed the fondest memories of the countless times he spent with his Grandmother Goldie Mae on the Dunlap farm in Homer, just outside Utica, Ohio. Goldie, who passed in 1964, helped with his care and raising for many years. Dad loved her for always being there for him and for always showing him love and kindness.
Gene served in the United States Air Force enlisting in 1957. Part of his technical training was done in San Antonio, Texas the following summer when I am sure he vowed never to return due to the sweltering heat he and his comrades had to endure. August of 1958 brought temps of 100+ degrees! He was eventually stationed at Camp New Amsterdam (Soesterberg Air Base), The Netherlands where he met and married the love of his life Jane (Jantje) VanEe. Gene and Jane ended up at Travis A.F.B, California where they remained with their three children until his Civil Service Retirement in 1995 when he and Jane returned to his childhood home in Utica, Ohio where they remained until the end of 2012.
While Gene spent his entire military and civilian service as a master jet engine mechanic, he was an expert transmission technician and overall amazing auto-mechanic. He had his own transmission shop for a short time in California. His passions besides Jane were definitely cars, motorcycles and racing.
Gene suffered an aneurism in June of 1997 and amazingly pulled through with little to no deficits at the time. As the years progressed that devastating brain injury led to vascular dementia that progressed to an inability to live alone any longer by early 2015. The difficult decision to move him from his beloved Utica, Ohio into memory care in San Antonio, Texas was inevitable. Dad lived the past nearly 6 years in a safe and loving environment there. He was never alone to the end when he passed due to complications of heart failure.
Darwin Jean “Gene” Dunlap was preceded in death by his grandparents, parents and step-father Tom Rice, brother Carlton, and wife, Jane Dunlap. Gene is survived by daughters Mildred Jo Dunlap and JoAnn Padro-Alvarado; son, Kevin Dunlap; Son-in-law Miguel Padro-Alvarado; grandchildren Celisse Casner, Jeremiah Casner, Luis Padro-Alvarado and Jéan Padro-Alvarado; grand daughter-in-law Ilaria Padro-Alvarado; Lauren Hayes, Julia Dunlap, Jacob Dunlap, Gracie Marie Dunlap, sisters Carol Jean Dunlap Crist, Sheryle Dunlap, Karen Dunlap Shenberger, and Darlene Dunlap; brothers Arthur and Allen Dunlap; and three great-grandchildren Madison, Ian and Tori along with so many friends near and far, past and present.
He is already incredibly missed by all who loved him.
The SAPGR has been asked to serve as pallbearers at the service.
WEATHER: Hi 65 / Lo 38, 0% Chance of Rain, 58% Humidity, Wind: 10mph N
REQUESTOR: JoAnn Padro-Alvarado, Daughter
THIS IS A MOTORCYCLE ESCORT ONLY. NO CAGES PLEASE
STAGING: 7:30 am, Friday, January 15, 2021
Porter Loring Mortuaries North
2102 N Loop 1604 E
San Antonio, Texas 78232
https://goo.gl/maps/QqJh7Wi49EGft5Zh9
BRIEFING: 7:45 am
HONOR LINE: 8:00 am
KSU: 8:15 am (Semper Gumby)
CREMATORIUM: 9:00 am
Schertz Funeral Home
2217 FM 3009
Schertz, Texas 78154
https://goo.gl/maps/Wk8BmMgM56N2
RC: Juan “Mr. T” Tarango
juantarango16@yahoo.com
** EVERYONE MUST WEAR FACE COVERING AT THE FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORIUM
