Kay Ellis Dunn, 94, passed away peacefully on November 19, 2025, in Helper, Utah, surrounded by family.
Kay was born in Boise City, Oklahoma, on April 22, 1931 to Floyd Collins Dunn and Jewell Ruth Chaffin Dunn, Kay spent his early years on a farm in the panhandle of Oklahoma.
The family later moved to Western Colorado near the town of Hotchkiss. He graduated from Hotchkiss High School lettering in Football, Basketball and Track.
In July 1951 Kay joined the United States Marine Corps. and served during the Korean War where he was awarded the Purple Heart,
Korean Service Medal with 3 Bronze Stars, the United Nations Medal and the United Defense
Medal. After his service in the Marine Corps, Kay worked as an electrician for the City of Long Beach for 15 years. He then worked as electrician for Cyprus Plateau Mining Company for 25 years.
Kay married Anna Brock, and together they had two children. He later divorced and married Mary E. Earney Smith on May 10,1969, and moved to Utah in 1971. They built a life revolving around their family. Kay enjoyed camping, riding his 4-wheeler, and farming.
To his family, Kay was a steady presence. He was kind, patient, and always quick with his trademark response, “Yes, dear,” a phrase that will forever bring a smile to those who knew him.
Kay is survived by his wife, Mary Dunn; sister, Bernita Dove of Grand Junction, CO; children, Larry Dunn of Knoxville, TN, Carol Ruth Smith of Grass Valley, CA, Carol Southards of Price, UT, Debra (Gordon) Odendahl of Helper, UT, and Kathy (Kenny) Scott of Lander, WY, nine grandchildren; and many great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Floyd and Jewel Dunn; and siblings, Kenneth, Kendall, Keith, Emmett Dunn, and Betty Klaseen, brothers-in-law, Donald Dove and Charles Klaseen.
The family would like to thank Dr. Glenn Etzel and staff for the care, compassion, and dignity they provided.
Memorial Services will be held at a later date. Arrangements entrusted to Mitchell Funeral Home of Price and Huntington where friends and family are welcome to share memories of Kay online at www.mitchellfuneralhome.net.