Obituary of JOHN DUNBAR

John Delbert Dunbar Sr., 80 died December 25, 2011 at his home in Kellyville. He was born August 15, 1931 to Ralph and Pauline Dunbar in Tulsa, Ok. In 1947 he moved with his family to Kellyville where his father established the Dunbar Ranch. John graduated from Kellyville High School in 1949. John married Mary Louise Hieronymus on January 12, 1952. She preceded him in death December 8, 1996. While building a commercial cattle operation, he was a truck salesman for International Harvester and White Freightliner. In 1973 he retired from truck sales to continue and expand the family ranching business. John was a cowboy. As a young man he was a member of the Rodeo Cowboy Association (RCA), traveling the rodeo circuit across the United States Riding Bulls and Broncs. John's promising career was ended when he was injured during a bull riding event at Boston Gardens in Boston, MA. Following his riding career, John was a rodeo judge in OK and surrounding states. In later years, watching the PBR bull riding on television was his favorite pastime; his family knew not to interrupt him during show time. Along with the cattle business, he operated custom hay baling operation and Dunbar Dozing Service. John was a member of the Kellyville Lion's Club, Kellyville Public Schools Board of Education and Kellyville Round-up Club. He was very instrumental in locating and establishing the existing Kellyville Round-up Club Rodeo Arena. He is preceded in death by his parents; his wife; granddaughter, Sarah Reese; two brothers, Ralph Dunbar, Jr. and James (Jim) Dunbar; three sisters, Elizabeth (Betty) Bovee, Rosemond (Rose) Julian and Florence Dunbar; and a nephew, James Vaughn Dunbar. Survivors include his brother bill Dunbar and wife, Gerry of Broken Arrow; two sisters, Mary Helen Costabile of Sand Springs and Martha Jo Dunbar of Bristow; three children, Marsha Cartwright and husband, Gary of Shawnee, Debra Reese and husband, David of Sapulpa and John D. Dunbar, Jr. and finance', Jodie Miller of Blanchard; grandchildren, Gina and Jason Deloache of Sapulpa, Stacey and Aaron Penix of Edmond, Jenny and Josh Richards of Edmond, Matt and Courtney Cartwright of Edmond, Deidra Dunbar of Bristow, John Brian and Rachel Dunbar of Bristow, Brittany and Brad Topp of Madison, WI, and John D. Dunbar III of Blanchard; and 13 great grandchildren. John's family would like to express their appreciation to his caregivers. You were a blessing and we thank you for your concern, care and loyalty. Services will be 1:00 PM Thursday, December 29, 2011 at Green Hill Funeral Home Chapel with burial to follow at Green Hill Memorial Gardens. Visitation for Mr. Dunbar will be Wednesday from 6:00 to 8:00 PM. In lieu of flowers donation to PRCA Justin Cowboy Crisis (JCCF) at www.justincowboycrisisfund.com donation forms are also available at Green Hill Funeral Home. The family has chosen to entrust the care of the service to the directors Green Hill Funeral Home. 9182242312 www.greenhillok.com