Clarence Dunagan, Jr.
April 06, 2011
C. Art (Doc) Dunagan, age 89, passed away April 6, 2011, at Taylor House surrounded by his family. He was born June 7, 1921, in Des Moines, the son of Jessie (Hill) and Clarence Arthur Dunagan, Sr.
Doc graduated from East High School in 1939, where he met his wife, Jeane, nee Evans. He attended the University of Iowa, where he became a baseball star and won the “Big Ten” Batting Championship in 1941. Doc enlisted in the Army Air Corps as a B24 Bomber Pilot, with the 15th Air Force. He flew in 48 combat missions, one of which to bomb Palesti Oil fields and Mount Cassino, and earned a Purple Heart. While oversees, he received three letters from the New York Yankees, wanting him to tryout for the team. After retiring from the United States Postal Office as a clerk, he worked in security at Prairie Meadows Racetrack for ten years.
He lived in Des Moines all his life except for 39 years in Bondurant. He was a real “Lee Townshipper.” Doc was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church, NARFC, and Baldwin Patterson American Legion Post 274. He enjoyed sports and being outdoors.
Doc was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Bill; and sister, Ellen. He is survived by his wife of nearly 68 years, Jeane; twin daughters, Joan Goerndt and Jane DeLapp; son, Art III; and grandchildren, Heather DeLapp, Holly Goerndt Ross, and Art Dunagan IV. His family was his joy, and he will be missed by all who knew him.
Graveside services will be held 1 p.m., Friday, April 8, 2011, at Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery, 1 NE 60th Avenue, Des Moines. Family will greet visitors from 5 to 7 p.m., Thursday, April 7, 2011, at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Avenue.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Paul Lutheran Church, 1200 Walker Street, Des Moines, Iowa 50316.
Online condolences may be made to:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
John Tedore
04/08/2011
Ooc's Family:
Deepest condolences to all. I was fortunate to have played ball with Doc at Iowa and in summer baseball. Also worked with him at Praire Medows. He was always a good friend and I was very happy to have known him.
Suzanne, Kate, and Kendall Hicks
04/07/2011
Jeanne and family,
We were saddened to hear of Art's death. Our thoughts and good wishes are with you!
Suzanne, Kate, and Kendall Hicks
Kathryn Freerksen
04/07/2011
Very sorry to hear about the passing of your grandpa Artie. My deepest condolences are with you and your family at this time.
Sincerely, Kathy Freerksen
Linda Rossow
04/07/2011
I am so sorry to hear of your loss, Art and Artie. You both are in my thoughts and prayers. Take care.