Obituary of Jerry Johnson Dunn

Jerry Johnson Dunn passed away peacefully on March 6, 2023. He was surrounded by his loving family.

Jerry was born on August 31, 1936 in Merkel Texas, to Mary Alice and Elbert Eugene Dunn. The family moved to Fort Worth in 1940. He met the love of his life, Edna Sue Dunn (nee Denton), at North Side High School and they were married, June 4, 1955.

Jerry was a long-time, local business man, owning a series of Tire and Automotive shops over the decades. He also was a successful politician, serving as the Mayor of Benbrook for 22 years (1977 to 1999) where he established Sister City relationships with Bled, Slovenia and Ballymoney, Northern Ireland. While serving as mayor, Jerry also held leadership position(s) in several statewide and national organizations – including President of the Texas Municipal League, the Board of the National League of Cities and the Mental Health Association of Tarrant County.

Jerry was a man of great and deep faith. He was an active leader at Western Hills Baptist Church in west Fort Worth. His Mother said of him, “If the Church is having a meeting, then Jerry is there. And, likely Chairing it!”

But, mostly he was a wonderful family man. He was never so happy as time in their home surrounded by children, grand-children and great grandchildren. Especially, if part of the activity included gathering around the TV, with food, for a Cowboys game!

Jerry would give anything he had to a family member, for the asking. And, often did.

Jerry was preceded in death by his Mother and Father, his brother Morris Dunn and sister Marian Biggs Johnson. He is survived by his wife, Edna Sue Dunn, his children David Dunn (m. Terrell Dunn), Darlene Jones (m. Daniel Jones, deceased) and Dana Gilliland (m. Johnny Gilliland), five grandchildren – April Jones, Krystal Jones, Ashley Kreft, Shea Gilliland and Scott Gilliland – five great grandchildren – Coen, Olive, Mary, Josephine, and Dorothy – and his brother Glenn Dunn (m. Karen Dunn). And numerous nephews, nieces, and friends.

Memorial Service: 11:00 am on Saturday,  March 18 at Grace Church, 8500 Chapin Road, Fort Worth, Texas, 76116.

The family appreciates the wonderful, compassionate care provided by AlevCare Hospice.

Memorials: In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in his name be made to the American Heart Association and Scottish Rite for Children.