Alton M. “Bud” Dunnell Jr. 93, a life long resident of Keene died on Friday, November 18, 2016 at Cheshire Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Keene. He passed peacefully after a brief period of declining health.
Alton was born the son of the late Julia (Proctor) and Alton M. Dunnell Sr. on December 18, 1922 in the Village of Montague Center in the Town of Montague, Massachusetts. He was educated in Keene and graduated from Keene High School class of 1940. He also had a close connection with the class of 1941, a class shared by his wife and their life-long friend, Marguerite “Muget” Christopherson.
On November 30, 1942 he enlisted in the U.S. Army. He served as a Teletype Mechanic during World War II. His time was spent mostly overseas in the Northern France, Rhineland and Central Europe Campaigns. He was the recipient of the European African Middle Eastern Theatre Campaign Ribbon, Victory Medal and the Good Conduct Medal. He was honorably discharged at the rank of Tec 4 on December 23, 1945.
Alton exchanged vows with Janice M. Barr in 1943 in a simple service at the family home. They had been married for fifty years before she passed in 1993.
He worked for the U.S. Postal Service as a postal clerk for twenty six years in Keene before retiring in 1984.
Alton enjoyed walking for over twenty years. He would walk at the Keene Dillant-Hopkins Airport every day making the three mile loop. He was a ham radio operator and enjoyed travel. Time was spent in Florida during the winter months with his wife and sometimes family. Alton will be remembered for driving his green 1973 Ford Mustang convertible in parades and for charity events.
Mr. Dunnell is survived by his children: Judith L. Ward of Bronson, Fl. and John M. Dunnell and his wife Ginnie of Keene. His eight grandchildren; Jason and Kristin Dunnell, Jack Dunnell, Karen and Michael Gianferrari, Kim Moske, Angie and Jason Michaud, Jessica LeBrun, Leslie and Steve Lafond and Gretchen Ward. His son in-law, Gary LeBrun of Swanzey. He also leaves ten great grand-children. Alton is pre-deceased by his daughter, Elizabeth R. LeBrun who passed in 1998.
In keeping with Alton’s wishes there are no calling hours. A graveside service with military honors will be held in the family lot at Monadnock View Cemetery, Keene in the spring of 2017. Donations can be made in memory of Alton M. Dunnell Jr. to: MCVP Monadnock Crisis for Violence Prevention, 12 Court St. Keene, NH. 03431. All services are under the care of Cheshire Family Funeral Chapel and Crematories, 44 Maple Ave. Keene, NH. 03431. www.cheshirefamilyfuneralhome.com
