William A. Dunn

February 11, 1926 - September 26, 2007


September 26, 2007, the City of Maricopa mourned the loss of one of its most prominent pillars that helped build a wonderful community. Maricopa has produced a few "great men" and Sonny was one of them. William "Sonny" A. Dunn, Sr., 81, died at Mercy Gilbert Hospital from complications arising from a combination of recent health challenges.

Sonny and his wife, Dode, moved to Maricopa in 1954 to farm. Their love for their family, friends and the community of Maricopa motivated this couple to become immediately involved, and a great respect arose for them that made them great community leaders. Sonny's smile, concern and involvement for everyone in Maricopa will be greatly missed by all.

Sonny has been a Pinal County resident since he was four years old. He graduated from Florence High School in 1944 then served in the United States Navy Air Corp in Chapel Hill, North Carolina as an Aviation Cadet. Following the end of World War II, Sonny attended college in Chapel Hill and then attended Northern Arizona University. Following college he returned to Pinal County to farm in Florence before moving to Maricopa in the 50s. June 30, 1948 William Arthur Dunn married Dorothy Jean Dossey and three children followed.

Mr. Dunn's leadership roles included Electrical District #3 Board Chairman; past Board Member of the Maricopa Stanfield Irrigation District; past president of the Maricopa Unified School Board; a long time Rotarian, and numerous other community entities. Besides being the longest standing member of the Maricopa Rotary Club, he was a past president and served two terms as Assistant District Governor of Arizona District 5500 Rotary Clubs. He lived the Rotary 4-Way Test well; "Is it Truth? Is it fair to all concerned? Will it build goodwill and friendship? Will it be beneficial to all concerned?"

As one of Maricopa's emerging leaders, in the 50s, he helped take on the role to prevent drownings in Maricopa due to all of the irrigation ditches on farms. He along with other Rotarians and community members took the responsibility to help build the first public pool, give swim lessons, and build a swim team. He was part of the first annual Stagecoach Days in an effort to pay off the debt for the building of the pool. He continued to be involved in the preparation of the pool with other Rotarians on an annual basis since 1959.

As years passed and horse barns became extinct, he built a community barn, known as "Sonny Dunn's Barn" next to his home on Porter Road so that community members could have a place to meet, dance, get married and play.

Sonny has produced four generations from his family alone, and he is part of six generations that have lived in Maricopa. He was a cotton farmer in Maricopa for over 50 years and five generations of his family also farmed cotton.

He is survived by his wife Dorothy "Dode," Bill and Becky Dunn, Bobbie Arp, Carey Arp, Shirley and Owen Kelly; eight grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren, a host of cousins, nieces, nephews and close friends all around our community. The family would like to thank everyone for all of the kind words of support and your prayers for them during this trying time.

The visitation will be held at J. Warren Funeral Services Cole & Maud The Gardens Chapel at 525 N. Peart in Casa Grande on Sunday afternoon at 6:00 pm. Burial will be held Monday morning at 11:00 am at the Florence Cemetery. Everyone is invited to attend a memorial service Monday afternoon at "Sonny Dunn's Barn" on Porter Rd. in Maricopa at 4:00 pm.

Donations can be made to the Rotary Foundation.

J. Warren Funeral Services, Cole & Maud The Gardens Chapel is in charge
of arrangements.