Kenneth Ivan Dunbar, Retired Senior Master Sergeant, entered his heavenly home on March 5, 2020 in Carriere, MS. Born in Evansville, Wisconsin to parents, Kenneth Ray and Sarah Maria Dunbar on July 19, 1927, Ken was the eldest of 7 children. Upon graduation, Ken entered the then Army Air Corps, later United States Air Force; serving in the Korean War. He continued his career in the Air Force, and while stationed at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, Ken met his future bride and soul-mate, Betty Jean Emerson, on a blind date. They were married on March 14, 1950 and were blessed with 4 children. After retiring from the military in 1965, Ken and Betty settled in the Coll Town/ Ridglea Heights area. Ken went to work at Ingalls Shipyard and began a career in marine electronics from which he retired in 1987. He was member of Ridglea Heights Baptist Church, attending faithfully until his health declined. He was a devoted father and provider. Ken was a member of the Gideon's International Assoc., and local IBEW. Other than his faith and family, his greatest pleasure was working in his and the Church's flower beds and gardens; waiting to see what blooms and blossoms would emerge. Ken was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Raymond, Infant son, David Ray, and his beloved wife, Betty Jean. Left to cherish his memory are: his children, Barbara (Clifton) Miller, Michael Dunbar, Melissa (Lee) Elrod Pullens; Grandchildren, Tina Cole, Phillip (Heidi) Miller, Jeremy (Rebecca Pitts) Dunbar, Betty Lynn (Joshua) Stockstill, Thomas Elrod, and Bradley Elrod; Great-grandchildren; Brittany (Will) Davis, Isis Cole, Bishop Cole, Damion Cole, Tiffany Goode, Abbrianna Pitts, Daylin Dunbar, Baylee Dunbar, Alexis Stockstill, Emily Stockstill; Great-great grandchildren: Aliana Davis, Mason Davis, Galen Cole, and Rosiland Cole. One brother and 4 sisters, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and neighbors. Serving as pallbearers will be Phillip Miller, Jeremy Dunbar, Bishop Cole, Damion Cole, Thomas Elrod, and Bradley Elrod. Honorary Pallbearers are, Joshua Stockstill, and Will Davis.
Visitation will be held Saturday, March 14, 2020 from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. at Ridglea Heights Baptist Church, 12601 Hwy 613, Moss Point, MS. Funeral service will begin at 12:00 p.m. from the church sanctuary with Rev. Steve Cirlot officiating. Burial will be at Serene Memorial Gardens, 12800 Hwy 613 Moss Point, MS. You may sign the online register book and send condolences to the Dunbar family by visiting our website at www.holderwellsfuneralhome.com
Holder-Wells Funeral Home, Moss Point, MS is in charge of arrangements