Elmer Richard Dunker, 94, of Crystal City died Nov. 3, 2023, at Mercy Hospital St. Louis in Creve Coeur. Mr. Dunker was a veteran of the U.S. Army who served in the Korean War. He worked simultaneously at the PPG plant in Crystal City and in HVAC. After retiring, he enjoyed gardening, winemaking and tinkering with old cars. He was a lifelong member of Sacred Heart Church in Crystal City, where he served as an usher for many years, a lifelong member of the VFW and a member of the Knights of Columbus 1230. Born March 9, 1929, in Festus, he was the son of the late Frances A. (Sagel) and Richard H. Dunker.
He is survived by his wife of 69 years: Doris “Rosalie” (Coleman) Dunker; two children: Karen (Jeff) McCarty of Festus and Barbara (Bill) Palmer of Sikeston; four siblings: Helen (Roland) Roussin of Crystal City, Doris (Richard) Laiben of Crystal City, Donna (Bob) Stahl of Crystal City and Joan (Brad) Eisenbeis of St. Louis; four grandchildren: Rhonda Palmer of Joplin, Mo., Michaela Palmer of Springfield, Pa., Erin (Bill) Morgan of West End, N.C. and Kevin McCarty of Crystal City; and two great-grandchildren: Iain Palmer, Finn Morgan and Aven Morgan.
He was preceded in death by five siblings: Robert (Judy survives of Washington, Mo.) Dunker, Leslie (Dorothy survives of Manchester) Dunker, Earl (Alyse survives of Denver, Colo.) Dunker, Lorene (the late Dale) Wilmoth and Stella (the late Donnell) Almany.
Visitation is scheduled from 9 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. Friday, Nov. 10, at Vinyard Funeral Home, 616 W. Main St., in Festus. Funeral Mass will follow at 11 a.m. at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 555 Bailey Road, officiated by Fr. Steve Lian. Burial will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery in Crystal City. Memorials may be made to the donor’s choice. Arrangements are under the direction of Vinyard Funeral Home.