Donald Austin Dunning

Donald Austin Dunning, age 76, of Sault Ste. Marie, MI passed away on Tuesday February 15, 2022, at War Memorial Hospital.

Don was born on June 24, 1945, in Flint, Michigan to the late Elmer and Ruby (Austin) Dunning. He graduated from Beecher High School in Flint with the class of 1963. He attended Michigan State University and LSSU earning his associates degree. On August 8, 1964, he married Bonnie Beath in Flint, MI. Don served his country in the United States Navy during the Vietnam war. He played trumpet in the Navy Band as part of the honor guard for President Kennedy’s funeral service. Don was honored to play his trumpet with Doc Severinsen, Bob Crane, and Stan Kenton.

He was part of the Big Brothers Organization and the Auxiliary Police in Howell, MI. He was a past Commander of the American Legion with Post #3. Don helped start La Rendezvous da Sault. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, golfing, riding motorcycles, and going to his daughter’s camp. He was a Lions and Tigers fan.

Don is survived by his wife: Bonnie J. Dunning; four children: Laura (Mike) Eastman, Linda (Dan) Dumas, Donnie (Jackie) Dunning, and Gail Wilson all of Sault Ste. Marie, MI; eight grandchildren: Greg (Courtney) Dunning, Trish Ann (Gene) Eastman, Steven Eastman, Christoffer Jacobsen, Matthew Jacobsen, Samantha (Terry) Wilson, Michael Wilson, and Rebecca Cook; three great-grandchildren: Hanna Dunning, Keira Lovegrove, and Adrienne Lovegrove; and a sister: Dorothy Isbell.

Don was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers: Gene Dunning and John “Jack” Dunning.

A memorial service will be held at 4:00 PM on Saturday, February 19, 2022, at C.S. Mulder Funeral Home. Friends may gather at the funeral home that same day starting at 2:00 PM.