Bonham, Texas -- Melvin Eugene (Mel) Dunham Sr. (Retired USMC MGySgt.) passed away Sunday, Nov. 28, 2021, with his wife Deanie of 42 years by his side, at TMC in Denison TX.

Mel was born in Ft. Worth TX on Nov. 17, 1934 to Ernest Dunham Sr. and Auba Keeney Dunham, both of whom predeceased him.

Mel attended Amon Carter Riverside High School in Ft. Worth before joining the USMC in 1953. He retired in 1977 after serving 24 years of active duty, having served time in Korea and three tours in Vietnam. He was on and traveled with the USMC Distinguished Rifle and Pistol Team.

In 1977 he moved to Bonham to operate a family shoe store, The Shoetique. Following this he worked for VPG for 12 years. He served on the Board at the Bonham Golf and Country Club and later managed the club.

Active locally he served the Child Advocacy CASA of Fannin County, where he was awarded Advocate of the year several times. Mel enjoyed golf and bowling in his spare time.

Mel met his wife Deanie in 1978 and they enjoyed traveling in their camper with their four-legged fur babies.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sons, David Dunham of Wisconsin and Henry Dunham of Bonham. Brother Ernest Dunham Jr. of Arlington and sisters Elizabeth Tucker of Emory and Dora Blaine of Cleburne.

Survivors include his wife Deanie, sons Melvin Dunham Jr. and wife Zoe of Bedford, James Dunham and wife Kym of Henderson NV and Steven Dunham of Sun Prairie Wisconsin. He leaves behind a sister Novie Cook of Grandview and brother Mike Dunham of N. Richland Hill. He has five grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

A graveside military service will be held at Willow Wild Cemetery in Bonham TX Tuesday, December 28, 2021 at 2:00 p.m.