Captain Gerald Leo “Jerry” Dunn, 82, passed into eternity on March 2, 2020 at his home in Kyle, Texas. Jerry was born in Seattle, Washington to George Lee Dunn and Mary Regina Johnson Dunn on November 29, 1937.
Jerry graduated from Gloucester Catholic High School in 1956 and Bullis Prep School in 1957. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1961, a Bachelor’s Degree in Math from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School in 1967 and a Master’s Degree in Systems Management from the University of Southern California in 1977, in addition to completing Defense Systems Management College in 1976 and Naval War College in 1984. He served his country as a distinguished officer in the United States Navy for 34 years. He achieved the rank of Captain and enjoyed much of his career at sea with 17 duty stations spanning the world.
He was the Commanding Officer of the USS Decatur from ’79-81 and of the USS England from ’84-86. The USS England, a guided missile cruiser, was his pride and joy, and he credited their success to the amazing caliber of his crew. In addition to campaign medals and ribbons, Capt. Dunn’s decorations included: 3 Legion of Merit Medals, 1 Meritorious Service Medal, 2 Navy Commendation Medals, 1 Navy Achievement Medal and 1 Meritorious Unit Commendation Ribbon. Jerry retired from the military in San Diego on June 30, 1991 and worked as a Senior Principal Engineer for Digital Systems Research until relocating to Austin, Texas in 1993 where he became a driver for Cook Walden Funeral Home. Jerry enjoyed singing, dancing and athletics and played basketball for the Naval Academy. He was an avid golfer and a member of the Plum Creek Golf Course. His favorite pastime was supporting his grandchildren in all of their athletic and academic endeavors. He was a devoted family man and friend who trusted in the Lord.
Jerry is survived by his wife of 53 years, Karen Hansen Dunn of Milwaukee, Wisconsin; daughter, Laurie (Joel); son, David; granddaughter, Mikayla (Christopher); grandson, Jaden; great-granddaughter, Leilani; brother, Lee (Kathy) and sister-in-law, Karen and many nieces and nephews. Jerry is preceded in death by his father, Commander George Lee Dunn; mother, Mary Regina Johnson Dunn and brothers, Bobby and Don.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at the Harrell Funeral Home, 1715 Kirby, Kyle, TX 78640 on Friday, March 20, 2020 with Pastor Rusty Fletcher of A Fountain of Life Worship Center officiating. Public visitation will take place at 10:00 a.m. with memorial service held at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at 2:30 p.m. at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, San Antonio, TX. Harrell Funeral Home of Kyle handled the funeral arrangements.
The family wishes to extend their gratitude to New Haven Memory Care of Kyle and Resolutions Hospice for their compassionate care of Jerry as he transitioned to Heaven.
