Friday, March 29, 2024

Hiram Wesley Dunn – Obituary

Hiram Wesley Dunn, 89, of rural Vienna, Illinois, passed away unexpectedly Friday afternoon, September 27, 2013, at 1:27 p.m. at his home.

Hiram was born September 13, 1924 in Buncombe, Illinois.  He was the second eldest child of Arthur “Preacher” Dunn and Roxie (Taylor) Dunn.

Hiram was united in marriage to Helen (Bess) Dunn on January 1, 1952 at the Jonesboro Baptist Church.  The officiant was Hiram’s father Arthur “Preacher” Dunn.

In addition to his beloved wife Helen, Hiram is survived by his loving daughters and sons-in-law – Maria Dunn Vaughn and Ivan Vaughn of Vienna, IL, Teri Dunn Farrow and John Farrow of Cobourg Ontario Canada; grandchildren – Terra Wasylenki, Aaron Farrow, and  Kaitlyn Farrow; a great grandson – Wesley Scott Felts; and a step grandson – Isaac Vaughn.  Hiram is also survived by a brother – Ernie Dunn of Metropolis, IL; 3 sisters – Mavis Ford of Elkhart, IN, Glenna Stucker and Gladys Linenfelser both of Jerseyville, IL, as well as many beloved nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Hiram was preceded in death by a sister, Avis Bullock.

Hiram was a U.S. Army veteran.  He served in the Asiatic Theater of operation during World War II.  Hiram was a paratrooper and lacked only 2 jumps from receiving his Gold Wings.  He was honorably discharged with the rank of Staff Sergeant.

For many years, Hiram worked as a barber in Vienna.  He later moved to Canada where he was a successful business owner.  Hiram operated a chain of beauty salons throughout Canada.  Additionally, he owned Country Chalet, an importing business.

During his retirement in Southern Illinois, Hiram developed Dunn Acres, a residential community north of Vienna which is home to 11 families.  In the 1950s, Hiram was instrumental in the development of organized Khoury League in Southern Illinois.  He also had served as the former treasurer, president, and works committee chairman of the Green Acres Camper Group, a not-for-profit organization with over 200 members in Canada.  Hiram was an avid sportsman and enjoyed fishing.

He was of the Southern Baptist faith.  For 15 years, Hiram was a member of the First Baptist Church in Naples, Florida and for the past several years, he worshiped at Heartland Worship Center in Paducah, Kentucky. Hiram also spent many hours watching the television ministries of Rev. John Hagee, Dr. Charles Stanley, Pastor Joel Osteen, and Rev. Jim Bakker.

A celebration of the life of Hiram Dunn will be conducted at 11 a.m. Thursday, October 3, 2013, at Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna.  Pastor Randy Wheaton will officiate.  Military graveside rites will be accorded by the Beggs-Gurley VFW Post 5222 and the Illinois National Guard Burial Honors Detail.

Visitation will be held from 5 – 8 p.m. Wednesday, October 2, 2013, at Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna.

Memorials may be made to the Disabled American Veterans, 3725 Alexandria Pike, Cold Spring, KY 41076 or to the Prairie Heart Institute.