Gayle Wendell Dunson

Wendell Dunson entered into rest on September 10, 2010 surrounded by his family. He was born to William Mack and Opal Helen Dunson on October 13, 1942 in Gideon, Mo. and was a 61 year resident of the Coachella Valley. He met his wife of 45 years, Wendy Dunson, in 1963 and they were married on March 6, 1964. They had two children, Wanda Dunson and Wynette Whitley-Kearns. Wendell graduated from Coachella Valley High School and enjoyed a long career at the Valley Sanitary District where he was main operator and purchasing agent. He was also a member of the Indio Police Department. In retirement, he enjoyed caring for his grandchildren, dropping them off for school and picking them up. He often said that it was his right as a grandpa to spoil them rotten and he did just that. He was known for his generosity, for caring for others, his humor, his temper, and his love of animals. He enjoyed ATV riding, camping, fishing, his animals, and helping others in need. He was a loving, devoted father, husband, grandpa, brother, uncle, and friend. His big heart and generous spirit will be missed beyond measure by all his loved ones. He was preceded in death by his beautiful wife, Wendy Dunson. He is survived by his daughters, Wanda Dunson and Wynette Whitley-Kearns (Daniel Kearns); and grand-children, Ruben Alzatti, Brianna Medina, Anthony Medina, Ashley Whitley, Dylan Whitley, and Liana Whitley; and a great grandson, Alex Beltran Jr. He is also survived by his sister and brother-in-law, Lynda and Harry Bevens; brother and sister-in-law, Jim and Marlys Dunson; and sisters-in-law, Janice Speed, Diane (Chuck) Lyons, Dorothy Krieg, Mark Whitley; and several nieces and nephews and foster children. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Coachella Valley Cemetery at 11:00 AM on Saturday September 25, 2010.