Photo courtesy of Swartz Funeral Home - Flint
Flint, Michigan
Mar 12, 1936 – Oct 21, 2023
Paul A. Dunlap, 87, a long-time resident of Grand Blanc, Michigan passed away at his home on October 21, 2023.
Born in Flint, Michigan on March 12, 1936, Paul graduated from Flint Central High School in 1954. He met his wife Beverly in 1956, who was working at Flint’s Capitol Theatre’s concessions stand. When asked what he would like to order, he famously replied, “I’ll take you baby.” They were soon married and remained so for the past sixty-seven years. Paul worked at Flint Chevrolet Truck and Bus until retirement, and then later as a representative for several suppliers in the automotive industry.
A charismatic and talented saxophonist and clarinetist, he started a band in junior high school. After high school he toured with a big band in the US and Mexico. Later, he formed the Paul Dunlap Quartet, which performed for a wide variety of occasions regionally for nearly fifty years. Knowing most musical standards by heart, Paul was an energetic entertainer who gave his best effort to ensure his audiences had a great time. In later years, Paul continued to perform as a duo with his wife Beverly, a singer, until he retired from music-making at the age of eighty-two.
In addition to music, Paul had many other interests. He was a lifelong learner and enjoyed talking about politics, playing golf, and anything relating to technology. Recently, he took up cooking.
Nothing was more important to Paul than his family and friends. He was very proud of his six children and loved family get-togethers. He spoke fondly about the family’s many summer vacations. His dogs, Stonee, Rocky, and Kodi held a special place in his heart.
Paul is survived by his wife, Beverly; children Michael (Marilynn) Dunlap, Lori (Dan) Meiser, Lisa (Kraig) Cawley, Paulette (Paul) Belanger, Charles (Lee Hart) Dunlap, and Julie (Jeff) Mills; grandchildren Alexandrine (Brandon Weeks) Dunlap, Andrew (Ting Davidson) Dunlap, Alyssa (Garey) Boyd, Justin (Jennifer) Meiser, Jeremy (Melanie) Meiser, Christopher (Katelyn) Cawley, Brett (Molly) Cawley, Jacob (Christen) Cawley, Josh (Megan) Belanger, Callie (Sam) Jaklic, Trent Belanger, Marissa Page, and Alyssa Mills; great-grandchildren Kaylie, Chloe, Colby, Bryce, Riley, Claire, Connor, Beatrice, Fiona, Grace, Sophie, Aubrey, and Lainey, with another due in 2024; as well as brother Jim (Nancy) Dunlap, and sisters-in-law Pam Dunlap and Anne Martin.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Alexandrine Dunlap; father- and mother-in-law Howard and Mildred Egts; brother Charles and sister-in-law Earla Dunlap; sister Julia Dunlap, brothers George and John Dunlap, and sister-in-law Marceline Dunlap; as well as sisters- and brothers-in-law Audrey and Robert Snuske and Arlene and Ed Simmonds.
A Memorial Service will be held on October 28, 2023, at 12:00 PM at the Swartz Funeral Home, 1225 West Hill Road, Flint.
The family will receive friends from 10:00 AM until the time of the service.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Paul’s memory are suggested to the Humane Society and American Heart Association.
Read MoreFirst class gentleman, friend and very talented Musician....You will be missed friend
Don Wright
October 31, 2023 | Flint, MI | Friend
The first time I met Paul was in Oregon at my sister & brother-in-law’s wedding. He swept in with gusto! He was personable and caring. He had jokes to tell and was a polished performer.
Over the years we had the great pleasure of spending time with him at family functions. I always looked forward with great anticipation to seeing him. He always made you feel welcome. He also had the great skill of talking to you and making you feel like he truly cared about you. The way he would...
Harry & Sharon Price
October 28, 2023
Paul was a great friend of mine; however, I had not seen him since I moved to Colorado. Paul was my golf partner for many years and we won several golf leagues together. We always had a great time and shared many laughs together. Paul will always hold a fond memory in my heart. I am sorry, Bev, that I will not be able attend his service. My deepest sympathy to you and your family.
Terry Murray
October 26, 2023 | Friend
Uncle Paul, Aunt Bev, and my Dunlap cousins , were special and inspirational people to grow up with. Ill cherish my memories of times with them.I have followed Uncle Pauls lead in certain ways, and greatly appreciated his inspiration . My condolences to all who will miss him.
Patrick Snuske
October 26, 2023 | Davison, MI | Friend
Lori, Dan and family, we want you to know how much we truly enjoyed your father along with his musical talents. He made our wedding so memorable singing and playing the classics for us. We are sending our prayers and hoping that you find comfort in your memories. We are sorry that we cannot attend the funeral.
Dr. Tom and Nancy Aills
October 24, 2023 | Flint, MI | Friend
I rate Paul as one of my very best friends.. I played in his band for years and we had a lot in common. After almost every job we would stop for coffee and review the performance. I learned so much from him, about music and life as well. He hired me as a novice bass player in the Paul Dunlap Quartet, and he taught me how to be a professional musician. He was to be admired for his family life, with his kids and Bev. He could handle any crowd and make people happy that we were playing for...
Lee Crandall
October 24, 2023 | Houghton Lake, MI | Friend
What I wish I had said to you. Thank you for always making me feel part of the family. You were my ‘other Dad’. Even with a houseful of little Dunlaps, you included me too. adding a ninth plate at the table! I love you. I will never ever forget the fond memories. Foodies forever, sending love to family, Mary
Mary Ferrell
October 24, 2023 | Milford, DE | Friend
It was wonderful to have known Paul. We loved hearing him play the sax along with Bev at his side singing. Beautiful! He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Love and prayers to the entire Dunlap family. Sincerely, Richard and Mary Hamilton
October 23, 2023
My wonderful, loving and very special Uncle who was a second father to me. He had a huge heart filled with love. I will miss his presence, his music and his laughter but most of all his love. He will always have a very special place in my heart. Rest in peace sweet Uncle
Teresa Lipe
October 23, 2023 | Flint, MI | Family
