Francis Dunham Dies Unexpectedly at 62

Francis Ward Dunham of Lebanon died unexpectedly Saturday night in his sleep while visiting over the holidays with a daughter, Mrs. Ricahrd (Jeanne) Leeberg of Route 4, Spencer.

Dunham, who was 62 years of age, had gone Saturday to stay until after Christmas and when the family awakened Sunday morning found him dead.

Dunham, who was a tool and die maker at Western Electric, had resided in Lebanon since 1953, moving here from Effingham, Ill. His home in Lebanon was at Lebanon Street Trailer Court.

He attended the Jehovah’s Witnesses Kingdom Hall in this city. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II and was a member of the Masonic Lodge.

He was born in Alton, Ill., January 10, 1910, the son of Ward and Mary (Williams) Dunham. He was married April 4, 1943 in San Bernardino, Calif., to Nellie Hockett, who survives.

In addition to the widow and daughter he is survived by three other daughters, Mrs. Colleen Chambness of Route 2, Spencer, Mrs. Joan Price of Honolulu, Hawaii, and Miss Patricia Dunham of Lebanon; a son James Dunham of Bloomington; one brother, Edward Dunham of Bridgeton, Mo., and three grandchildren.

Last rites have been arranged for 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Russell and Hitch Funeral Home in Lebanon with interment following in Lincoln Memory Gardens. Brother Herbert Webb will officiate.

Friends will be received at the funeral home beginning 2 o’clock this afternoon.

Source: Transcribed from Lebanon Reporter, Tuesday, Dec. 26, 1972