Paul Laverne "Tex" Dunning

Paul Laverne Dunning, known by his friends as "Tex" because of his love for horses, passed away peacefully Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at the age of 93 in his Appledorn Assisted Living home in Holland, MI. He was born on January 16, 1932, in Holland, MI to the late Martin and Anna (Kool) Dunning.

A graduate of Holland High School and lifetime member of First Reformed Church, Paul's life was marked by his great humbleness, sacrifice, service and loyalty, which he teamed with a strong, abiding faith in God.

Paul served in the Korean Conflict as an army telephone lineman. After the war, he worked at Chris Craft before taking on custodian positions for First Reformed Church, Hamilton Schools, VanRaalte Elementary School, and the Women's Literary Club. Additionally, Paul worked odd jobs like bus driving concurrently to provide for his family.

Paul married the first love of his life, the late Joyce Dornbos, soon after returning from the war. Married for 32 years, they brought up four children on a hobby farm, where Paul shared his love for horses through his active participation in the Holland Western Saddle Club. He also encouraged his children to be entrepreneurial and learn strong work ethics via activities like breeding animals, gardening, taking on various jobs, and exploring their unique interests during their growing years.

He modeled Christ's love by caring for Joyce for the 20 years she suffered with Tubulous Sclerosis until her death at 52.

Paul was blessed to find another great love in Marilyn Stryker Dewitt. Married for 34 years, they enjoyed horses, traveling, and living in Arizona during their retirement years. Paul also cared for Marilyn as she progressed through dementia, which ended her life at 89.

Paul is predeceased by his parents, two wives, his sister Mildred Roelofs, his stepson Christopher DeWitt, and his step grandsons Brandon and Luke DeWitt.

Paul leaves behind his children Don (JoAn) Dunning, Jim (Jan West) Dunning, Sally (Tom) Swift, Paula (Brian) VandenBrink, and his nine grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.

Paul is also outlived by his stepchildren Kerry (Kaaren) DeWitt, Karen (Antonio) Rodriguez, Tom (April) DeWitt, Dale (Patti) DeWitt and Dave (Michele) DeWitt, and his seven step grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren.

A private graveside service for close family and friends will be 2 p.m. Monday, September 29, 2025, at Restlawn Memorial Gardens,994 Paw Paw Drive, Holland, MI. No additional visitation time is planned.

Memorial contributions may be given to Gentiva Hospice, 625 Kenmoor Avenue SE #115, Grand Rapids, MI 49546, in appreciation of the compassionate care given Paul during his last years of life.

Arrangements made by the Dykstra Funeral Home-Mulder Chapel.