Funeral Service
Grimes Funeral Chapels
728 Jefferson St.
Kerrville, TX  78028
Saturday, April 1, 2023
2:00 PM
Map & Directions  Map & Directions

Send Flowers Send Flowers

Garden of Memories Cemetery
3250 Fredericksburg Rd.
Kerrville, TX  78028
Map & Directions  Map & Directions

Send Flowers Send Flowers

John Robert Dunks

of Kerrville, TX

June 2, 1950 - March 21, 2023


  • Obituary
  • Guestbook
John R. Dunks, 72, of Kerrville, TX, passed away on March 21, 2023 after a long battle with dementia. He was born June 2, 1950 in Kerrville, TX to Robert Alton and Ruby Lee Dunks. He graduated from Tivy High School in Kerrville, TX in 1969. He later graduated from Stephen F. Austin in Nacogodoches, TX with a Bachelor degree in Agriculture and minor in Forestry.

In November 1975, he met Patti B. Brymer, formerly of Bayside, TX, on a blind date and married April 17, 1976 in Portland, TX.

He and his wife owned Dunks Bulldozing Service, Inc. for 45 years. He worked hard his whole life while actually just playing in the dirt. John's happy place was always on a bulldozer or in a deer stand! He was a champion bar-b-quer! The most important lesson he bestowed upon his children was his work ethic. He was an avid hunter, with Durango, CO being his favorite spot. He was a member of First Baptist Church in Kerrville his entire life.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Alton and Ruby Lee Dunks; brothers, Max and Paul Dunks.

He is survived by his red healer cow dog, Coco; his wife of 46 years, Patti Dunks; children, Jay Dunks (Megan) of Centerton, Arkansas, Cody Dunks (Bekah) of Kerrville, TX and Amy Crites (Michael) of Russellville, Arkansas; sister, Judy Lindsey, of Kerrville, TX; his six grandchildren, Lindsey Marie Dunks, Ella Clair Beth Dunks, Peyton Lee Dunks, Wesley Scott Dunks, Levi Dane Crites, and Hannah Elizabeth Crites.

Services will be held at 2 PM, Saturday, April 1, 2023 at Grimes Funeral Chapels, officiated by Rev. Frankie Enloe. Interment will follow at Garden of Memories Cemetery.


Sign Guestbook>>

32 Condolence(s)
Fred & Nancy Grimes
Fredericksburg, TX
Saturday, April 15, 2023

One of the delightful aspects of building this house we have enjoyed for 25 years was working with John. His "we can do this" attitude and calm outlook took away the stress that could have robbed us of the enjoyment of this experience!
Since like you we have "Buster" who is a Red Heeler cow dog we are in good company!
God blesses us all for letting us know John.
Fred and Nancy Grimes
Fredericksburg

Charles Johnson
Fredericksburg, TX
Wednesday, April 5, 2023

HI Patti... john was a great guy! Pushed a lot of dirt for me at Wolf Mountain Ranch. Charles and Marilyn Johnson

LA VERNE Boles
Mountain Home, TX
Monday, April 3, 2023

Patti, I am so saddened by your loss of John. I know you have lots of happy memories to sustain you in the days ahead. You are in my thoughts and prayers!

Charles and Candy Anderson
Arlington, TX
Sunday, April 2, 2023

We were sad to hear about your husband and Dad’s passing. Sending love and condolences to Amy and all her family. May God be with you and comfort you all.
Charles and Candy Anderson
( Stacie’s parents)

Vicki Hainlen
Krum, TX
Saturday, April 1, 2023

I am thankful for John’s friendship with my father and our family through the years. I can still hear him telling stories and laughing! Patti, may you and your family find peace and comfort knowing that John was welcomed with open arms into heaven, where he can once again swap stories with his brothers. Love to you all all, Vicki Hainlen

Erin Delgadillo Lindsey
Austin, TX
Saturday, April 1, 2023

I will always remember Johns laugh the fun and surprise of the “jip jip survey” John would do when we were little . Our sincerest condolences and praying for you and your family.
Love,
Erin, Ryan, Ory, Audy

Ron Sprott
Kerrville, TX
Friday, March 31, 2023

John and I spent many days exploring the ranch; hunting Jack rabbits from the lightning fast jeep, crawling down in the cave, igniting a Molotov cocktail in a plowed field, and drinking ice cold water from the spring that feeds Town Creek. Lots of great memories John. Rest in peace.

Andrea VandeGuchte (Corbitt)
Nashville, TN
Friday, March 31, 2023

Dunks family-
We are so very sorry for your loss! We love you guys!
-Corbitt family

Jimmy “Stick” Locke
Boerne, TX
Thursday, March 30, 2023

Patti and Family -
During your time of sorrow “Remember the Good Times” you had with John!
TFND!

Richard Reasor
Waco, TX
Wednesday, March 29, 2023

God bless you Patti and family.

Richard Reasor
Waco, TX
Wednesday, March 29, 2023

John and I went to Tivy and church together. He took in a city boy and made me feel comfortable in the country. I had just moved to Kerrville. John was one of my rare friends who it doesn’t matter how long it’s been since you’ve seen him. You just pick up where you left off. it’s been a while since we talked but I’ll always miss him. Patty was his perfect bride. Love y’all.

Becky Hartmann
Dalas, TX
Monday, March 27, 2023

Dear Patti and Family,
Many prayers have been said for you and your family. Although, I did not know John very well, I have known you for 60+yrs. So sorry for your loss. Prayers and condolences continue. Wish I could be there for you and with you.
Please know the Dunks family are in my thoughts and prayers!
With deepest sympathies
Becky

George Avery
San Marcos, TX
Monday, March 27, 2023

John and I had several great years of friendship when we both worked for my dad, James Avery. We both quit working there in the late 70's when we each started our own businesses in heavy equipment contracting, John on his dozer and me on a backhoe. John loved working on his dozer and always got a kick knowing people were paying him to have fun. I eventually moved on to becoming a high school teacher while John just kept expanding. He was always one of the friendliest and hard working people I've know, willing to help anyone in a bind, and an inspiration to everyone with his kindness and hard work. He will be missed.

Sharon and David cowen
Center Point, TX
Saturday, March 25, 2023

A very special family. Patti we love you very much. Prayers for your precious family

Grant and Iris Thompson
Willis, TX
Friday, March 24, 2023

Bob and Georgie send love and prayers from Alaska, thinking fondly of all the good times shared over a lifetime. We know these last years have been difficult, but know you take comfort in knowing John is now with the Lord. Our many memories of good times in Kerrville and hunting camp with John and Patti will never fade.

Kay Dunks Courtney
Midland, TX
Friday, March 24, 2023

Patti and family, I’m so sorry to hear of John’s passing, but joyful that he is in Heaven with all the other Dunks’. May you be blessed with peace and comfort.
I remember very pleasant times at the ranch with Rubylee and Alton, and John.

Ky Evans
Lindale, TX
Thursday, March 23, 2023

John and I grew up hunting and fishing on our two home ranches. Each year we would each get a brick of 22 shells for Christmas and by the end of Jan they were gone. We raced our jeeps in the back of our pastures which kept us in trouble with our Dads for tearing up their hay fields. We once built a tree house in a Spanish oak. On one cold day we decided to build a fire brick fireplace in tge tree. That night we were spending the night in the tree so we could get an early start on deer hunting the next morning. However that night we woke up with the tree on fire.
John was my friend and will be greatly missed.

Sam Mayes
Georgetown, TX
Thursday, March 23, 2023

Patti, I am so sorry to learn of the passing of John. Praying for you and your family. I will always remember our high school days. Spending Sundays out at the ranch. Very fun times.

Valna Elizabeth Cox
Brownwood, TX
Thursday, March 23, 2023

Some of my fondest childhood memories are being at the Dunks Ranch riding with John in a jeep, chasing rabbits. My deepest sympathy to Johns family. He was one of a kind.

Marlena Lau
Kerrville, TX
Thursday, March 23, 2023

Dr. Robledo and I send our condolences to Mrs. Dunks and the family. We are keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers.

Heather Lanell Morgan
Kerrville, TX
Thursday, March 23, 2023

Patti, my heart and prayers are with you and the family. I am unable to attend the service, but you will certainly be in my thoughts. I will be in touch. Love you.

Heather Morgan

Buck and Peggy Thompson
Kerrville, TX
Thursday, March 23, 2023

Dear Patti,
We pray that the peace that comes only from our God finds you today! John was a “good man” and brought joy to all who knew him . You were an incredible partner to him and it was evident he loved you only as a Texas boy can!
You are in our thoughts and prayers .
All our love,
Buck and Peggy

Michael Barcelo
Kerrville, TX
Thursday, March 23, 2023

My condolences to Mrs. Dunks, Cody, and The Rest of The Family. The times I got to be around Big John were always enjoyable. He was a Great Guy! RIP Mr. Dunks.

Pete Clanton
Kerrville, TX
Wednesday, March 22, 2023

I am so sorry to hear the passing of my friend John. We first met in 1967 at high school. I send my thoughts and prayers to Patti and family. Rest in Peace my Friend.

Paul Smith
Kerrville, TX
Wednesday, March 22, 2023

Was good as gold. He also liked arrowheads......

Peggy Malochleb Contreras
Kingsland, TX
Wednesday, March 22, 2023

Awe Rosebud gone to soon. Nice memories of John from Tivy.
Thinking of you Patti.. Prayers.

Jennifer (Fullick) Stephan
Corpus Christi,
Wednesday, March 22, 2023

I knew John in High School, he was always nice to me.

MaryAnn Dunks
New Braunfels, TX
Wednesday, March 22, 2023

Dear Family,
We are never prepared for the loss, but God is always prepared to help us through. I pray for comfort and peace during this time for you and your family.
Regards,
Maryann Dunks

David and Doris Cox
Kerrville, TX
Wednesday, March 22, 2023

We are so saddened to hear of your loss. Our prayers and love are with you. Patti and John have always been special people.
David and Doris Cox

Kristi Wallace
Kerrville, TX
Wednesday, March 22, 2023

My condolences to your family, while I did not know Mr. Dunks personally, I remember his wife from school when I was growing up. I hope you find strength in your faith and family during this time.


Kristi Wallace

Pamela Esmond
Dickinson, TX
Wednesday, March 22, 2023

Dear Family,
We were sorry to hear the news of Uncle John and your loss, but know he is in heaven and full of life, happy to see all those that have gone before him and meet Jesus face to face. No more pain or suffering that this earth affords us. Peace and comfort in knowing you will be reunited one day in heaven. May the memories help heal the pain of loss at this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Esmond Family: Kerry and Pam Esmond, Clint Esmond,
Dr. & Mrs. Courtney Bates

bud a fawcett
INGRAM, TX
Wednesday, March 22, 2023

GOD Bless the DUNKS Family . Vaya con dios mi amigo. what a GREAT Friend .