Kenneth Merle Dunn

Kenneth M. (Ken) Dunn died peacefully surrounded by family members on Sunday, August 24, 2025.

Born on January 22, 1943, Ken grew up on his parents’ farm in the Georgetown, Ohio countryside, graduating from Sardina High School in 1961. After a short stint at Avco Corporation in Cincinnati, where a manager saw potential in him and encouraged him to attend college, he enrolled at The Ohio State University where he completed his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in aeronautical engineering. Avco was also a significant turning point for a personal reason. It was while working there he met his first wife Linda Eicher. The couple married in 1965, eventually having two daughters, Nicole and Erica.

An aeronautical engineering job at North American Rockwell Aviation brought the couple to Redondo Beach, California in 1970. Over his career, Ken was involved on projects related to the B-1 bomber and the space shuttle. Ken retired several times, finishing his career in IT for an online mortgage company. He finally retired in 2006. After Linda passed away in 2011, Ken met Lupe Marino through a mutual friend. They married in 2014.

An avid traveler, Ken visited many countries and sites, including Mali, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, France, Germany, Austria, Italy, among others with Linda. He continued traveling with Lupe—including trips to Hawaii, the Smoky Mountains, and cruises through the Panama Canal and Greek Islands. Ken showed an interest in all things mechanical and technological from an early age, building a go-kart, obtaining a ham radio license as a teen, and becoming a qualified small aircraft pilot—taking Linda flying on dates in his Cessna 140. He also had a great love of animals and the outdoors—volunteering with Best Friends—and hiking regularly with friends and family. Ken is survived by his wife Lupe, his daughters Nicole (Chris) and Erica (Phil), his sister, Jan, nieces, cousins, and many friends.