The Reverend David C. Dunkin

The Reverend David C. Dunkin, 96, of Elyria, was called home to be with his Lord and Savior on Monday, September 30, 2019 at Life Care Center in Elyria, following a full and joy filled life of serving his Lord. He was born September 28, 1923 in Hamilton Ontario, where he was raised and lived until the age of 22. David lived in Maine, New York and Pennsylvania before making his home in Elyria for the last 48 years. He graduated from Wheaton College in Illinois and attended McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario.David served the Lord as a Pastor for 73 years in over 18 churches, including Calvary Baptist Church in Oberlin and Abbe Road Baptist Church in Elyria. He ministered with the Baptist Church Planters as a missionary. David was mechanically and musically gifted. He was blessed to be able to play the guitar, auto harp and piano as well as other instruments. David also delighted his family by converting one of the family cars to an electric car and converted another car into a camper which was used to travel the United States. One of his favorite accomplishments was building a 15 foot cabined family boat. Traveling with family was a favorite pastime of David's and National Parks were a frequent destination.Survivors include his loving wife of 73 years, Verna Elizabeth Dunkin (nee Gastle); sons, David C. Dunkin (Linda) of Lynden, Washington, Jonathan R. Dunkin (Marcia) of Elyria; daughters, Elisabeth DeJong (Arnold) of North Ridgeville, MaryLou Hoffman (Bill) of Edmond, Oklahoma; nine grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren.He was preceded in death by his siblings, Gilbert Dunkin, John Dunkin, Elmina Raker, Elizabeth Head and his parents, Gilbert S. and Elizabeth E. Dunkin (nee Robinson).Friends may call Thursday, October 3, 2019 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. at the Abbe Road Baptist Church, 670 Abbe Road N., Elyria. Funeral services will be held Friday, October 4, 2019 at 12 Noon at Abbe Road Baptist Church. The Reverend Cal Searles, Pastor of Abbe Road Baptist Church, will officiate.The family suggests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to Gideons International, P.O. Box 140800, Nashville, TN 37214-0800.The Dunkin family would also like to personally thank the staff at Life Care Center and Crossroads Hospice for the care provided to their father during this difficult time.For those unable to attend please visit the funeral home's website to share a memory and sign the guest register, www.hempelfuneralhome.com