Obituary
Guest Book
Colonel Glen Randolph Dunlap, USAF Ret. passed away Tuesday, July 2, 2013 at Flowers Hospital. He was 92.
Funeral services with full military honors will be held at 10:00am on Monday, July 8, 2013, from First United Methodist Church in Ozark, with Rev. Dr. Christian Eckert, Rev. Dr. Billy Gaither, and Rev. Meghan Kelley officiating, and Fuqua-Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark directing. Visitation will be held at the church one hour prior to service time.
Glen Dunlap was born in Priddy, Texas, on June 20, 1921. He was the first child of Amos O. and Flora May Dunlap. Glen was raised on the family ranch and knew hard work at an early age. At the beginning of World War II, he entered Aviation Cadet training in the U.S. Army Air Corps, and graduated class of 43K at Brooks Field, San Antonio, Texas, on December 5, 1943.
To his family, Glen was a war hero – he flew 30 missions over Germany in B-24's. Three times his plane was shot up so badly, that he had to crash land, and yet he and his entire crew escaped unharmed. Glen was the pilot in the lead plane on many of the 1000 plane raids that were flown out of England. He told his wife and mother that he never started or finished a mission without a prayer.
Glen was a dedicated Air Force Officer and an intensely patriotic man all his life. He received a regular commission in the United States Army which was transferred when the US Air Force was formed to make a separate arm of the US military forces. He flew many different types of airplanes, B-24, B-25, B-26, B-29, B-50, C-54, T-33, T-39, KC-97, KC-135, B-52's, and a number of small Air Force planes. He flew over 100 B-52 and KC-135 combat missions during the Vietnam conflict. During his career, which took him all over the world, he was closely involved in highly classified projects such as the second atomic bomb test called SANSTONE, at Eniwetox Atoll in the Pacific and he worked with Gary Powers on the U-2 spy missions that were flown over Russia at that time. For two years, Glen commanded the largest Strategic Bomb Wing in Strategic Air Command (SAC), the 43rd Strategic Bomb Wing based in Guam.
When he retired from the Air Force in 1973, his orders read "31 years, three months, and 1 day." His decorations included the Legion of Merit with two Oak Leaf Clusters, the Distinguished Flying Cross, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal with seven Oak Leaf Clusters, and the Air Force Commendation Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters.
After retirement, Glen went into banking for the next ten years, the last five of which he served as President and CEO of the Fort Rucker National Bank. He served two terms as President of the International Military Bankers Association. He involved himself in his church, community, and politics. He was a past member of the Administrative Board of the First United Methodist Church of Ozark. He worked with Boy Scouts for years and was a recipient of the Silver Beaver Award and served on the Alabama-Florida Council of BSA for a number of years. He served two terms as President of the local chapter of the Retired Officers Association and one term as Council of Chapters President for the state of Alabama. Then he went to Washington and served six years on the board of the National Retired Officers Association. The Chief of Staff of the Air Force appointed Glen to the AIR FORCE RETIREE COUNCIL representing Alabama, Tennessee, Mississippi, and Louisiana.
Community projects were many, American Cancer Society, Chairman Dale County Republican Party, Chairman Ozark Chamber of Commerce Attracting Retirees and Military Affairs Committee. He was a life member of many organizations, Daedalians (a flyers fraternity), The Retired Officers Association, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans, Strategic Air Command Society, Air Force Aid Society. He was a Scottish Rite Mason and a 50 year plus member of Solomons Lodge No. 1, Savannah, Georgia. Glen was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Ozark, Alabama.
Glen received his BS degree from the University of Nebraska and was a graduate of Southwestern Graduate School of Banking at Southern Methodist University and the National Lending School at the University of Oklahoma. He firmly believed that "if you don't get involved, someone else will and your interests will not be protected."
Glen was always ready and willing to help his neighbors, and did so on a regular basis. With his entire busy schedule, he was a dedicated family man, and though he was away from home for long periods during his active duty days, he managed quality time for his family.
In addition to his parents, Colonel Dunlap was preceded in death by a sister, Wilma Dunlap Bishop.
He is survived by his wife, Christine Dunlap, of Ozark; daughter, Susan Dunlap of Ozark; son, Glen R. Dunlap, Jr., of Jacksonville Beach, FL; brother, Wayne O. Dunlap, of Texas; grandchildren, Stephanie Marie West and Heather Lynn West Hedberg; a host of nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to First United Methodist Church, 167 E. Broad Street, Ozark, Alabama 36360.
Fuqua-Bankston Funeral Home in Ozark (334) 774-4551 is in charge of the arrangements. Members of the Dignity Memorial network. Condolences may be offered at www.fuquabankston.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
July 10, 2013
Tina Nicholas
My Step-Father, James Perkins of Columbus, GA sends his condolences to Col. Dunlap's family. James cared alot about Col. Dunlap and treasured the fact they were friends.
July 9, 2013
Nolan Williams
July 9, 2013
Jim Mundt
Christine: I have found memories of Glen from our short overlap on the TROA board. Always a contributor and great friend.
Jim Mundt
July 8, 2013
Alan and Gail Winsor
Please accept our deepest sympathies.
July 8, 2013
Valerie Solomon
A great Husband, Father, Uncle and Patriot. Rest in Peace Uncle Glen!
July 8, 2013
I had the honor of meeting COL Dunlap my first month on this ESGR job; he was an amazing gentleman with an astonishing career. Please accept my condolences.
July 8, 2013
CLARENCE JUNKINS
We extend our condolence to his family and will keep them in our prayers.
July 7, 2013
fred fine
Colonel Glen(SACTYPE) will be missed by all who knew him. May he rest in peace
Fred and Sheila Fine
July 7, 2013
Colonel Dunlap was a great friend and Christian gentleman. I extend my condolences to his family. I will miss him...Ray Warren
July 7, 2013
Oscar and BJ Mills
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
July 7, 2013
Randy,
So sorry to hear about your Dad. One more angel to watch over you. You will be in our prayers.
Sincerely
Wayne and Beth Espy
July 7, 2013
Peter Brambir
Glen brought great humility and sincere forthrightness to all he came in contact with.
I will miss you, "Hand Salute"
July 6, 2013
He was an officer and a gentleman indeed.
He will be greatly missed.
Jim and Margaret Ramage
July 5, 2013
Winston Williams
Glen was a dedicated servant to any that he found in need. He continued to serve Reserve & National Guard members by being an active member of Employer Support for the Guard & Reserve (ESGR). Here he worked with employers to create a climate where they willingly employ & support Reservist. Additionally, he was an active Ombudsman with ESGR & worked to mediate conflicts between Employers & Service Members. He insisted that all these cases in the SE area of Alabama be sent to him. All who knew him will miss him.
July 5, 2013
Wiregrass Patriot Guard
We salute your veteran. Our condolences for your loss and gratitude for your loved one's service to our country.
July 5, 2013
Glen was a dedicated officer who continued to service the members of America's armed forces and their families long after he retired from active duty. I knew Glen as an active member of the Military Officers Association of America( MOAA). He was the first officer from Alabama to serve on the National Board and, until his passing, was still serving on the MOAA Alabama Council Board. He was a fine officer and gentleman, He will be missed. Col. Dick Erickson, USAF (ret) currently serving on the MOAA National Board
July 5, 2013
I was so sorry to hear of Glen's passing. He was a dedicated patriot and outstanding servant to his country, his state, and his fellow servicemembers. He shall be sorely missed.
With deepest sympathy and respect,
Col. Jim Eubanks,U.S. Army (Retired), Past President, Alabama Council of Chapters, Military Officers Association of America
July 5, 2013
Ken and Marie Harness
Col. Dunlap was one of the kindest men we've ever known. He was one among few that could light up a room by just entering. We will always have fond memories of him and he will be missed. We send our condolences to his family but in his passing I'm sure they know that they now have a guardian angel watching over them.
Showing 1 - 18 of 18 results
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read more