White Funeral Home
400 First Street West
Independence, Iowa 50644

Independence – Donald C. Dunlap, 78 years old, of Independence, Iowa, died on Friday, March 24, 2017, at Lexington Estate in Independence.  He was born on April 23, 1938, in Independence, the son of Donald Alvin and Ila Maude (Clark) Dunlap.  He graduated from high school in Independence with the Class of 1956.  He served for 4 years in the U.S. Navy.  On August 22, 1964, he and the former Karen Ann Larson were married in Clermont, Iowa.  Mr. Dunlap joined his parents in the operation of Dunlap Motors in Independence.  After their death, he continued as the owner and operator.  He retired in 2010 due to his health.  He was a member of the 1^st United Methodist Church in Independence and he was a life member of the Bechter-Boies V.F.W. Post #2440 in Independence.  He was a life member of the National Auto Dealers Association and a life member of the Iowa Auto Dealers Association.  He enjoyed spending time out of doors.  He looked forward to any kind of yard work.  He also enjoyed playing at the casino and his pets.

Donald’s loving upbringing with his parents and sister, Helen Jane, created a compassionate and caring boy who loved animals in every way possible.  That spirit continued throughout his life; that love and need to do what he could to better the lives of animals brought him happiness.  His business minded parents gave him great opportunity; his service to his country while in the Navy gave him a sense of pride.  Being a father was the whole of his being, his grandchildren the best thing that could be given to a pair of grandparents, all six of them the best of the best!  Later in life, the visits from his family and friends brought him joy.  His wife Karen’s continuous care kept him going, while daily phone calls to his beloved employees helped him remain involved with his business.

Mr. Dunlap is survived by his wife of 52 years, Karen, 1 daughter, Dodie (Craig) Henningsen of Independence, 1 son, David Dunlap of Independence, 6 grandchildren, Alex, Corbin, Chloe, and Claudia Henningsen, and Izzy and Easton Dunlap, and his dog, Sophia.

He was preceded in death by his parents and 1 sister, Helen Jones.

Funeral Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, March 27^th, at the First United Methodist Church in Independence with Rev. Scott Meador officiating.  Burial will be in Mt. Hope Cemetery in Independence.  Friends may call for visitation from 2 p.m. until 5 p.m. Sunday, March 26, at the White Funeral Home in Independence where a Military Service begins at 4 p.m. A Memorial Fund for the Buchanan County Animal Shelter has been established.