Grant Dunlap

Dunlap, Grant 12/20/1923 ~ 09/10/2014 VISTA, CA -- Grant Lester Dunlap, Professor Emeritus of Occidental College, died September 10th in Vista, CA at the age of 90. He and his wife, Janet Dunlap, retired to San Diego County in 1984 following his distinguished career as a professor, athletic director and coach at Occidental. As basketball coach, he compiled a record of 205-156, as baseball coach a 510-316 record. In 1941 at the age of 17, Dunlap signed with the Cincinnati Reds. The next year he joined the Marine Corps and served as an officer in the South Pacific and China during World War II. He returned to baseball with the St. Louis Cardinals organization and won the Texas league batting title two years in row. He made it to the major leagues with the Cardinals during the 1952 season and also played a season in the NBA. Dunlap also attended Occidental in the V-12 program where he met his wife-to-be. A native of Stockton, CA, he completed his education at the University of the Pacific. He was a member of the hall of fame at both Occidental and the University of the Pacific, where he was all conference in basketball and baseball. He returned to Occidental as a coach and professor in 1955. In 1994 he published a sports novel called Kill the Umpire based on his experiences in the Texas league. He was also a member of Shadowridge Country Club in Vista. Dunlap is survived by his children Diane Calkins and Doug Dunlap, five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Pursuant to his wishes services will be private. Dunlap expressed the belief that he had been honored during his life by his friends and colleagues, by his election to two college halls of fame and by his enduring relationships with the students and athletes he mentored. The Dunlaps established a scholarship fund at Occidental for students of Native American heritage. In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to the Grant and Janet Dunlap Endowed Scholarship fund alumni.oxy.edu/dunlap.