Charles Philip “Charlie” “C.P.” Dunning

Charles Philip “Charlie” “C.P.” Dunning, passed away peacefully at home on April 29, 2025, in Montgomery, Texas, at the age of 98. 

He was born on July 7, 1926, to Guy Orson (d. May 6, 1963) and Bessie Ottalie (Adams) (d. January 19, 1933) in Webster, Kansas. He married Patricia Tanko Meiers on August 18, 1985, in Las Vegas until her death.

Charlie was born and raised in Kansas and proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy during World War II, stationed in the Pacific arena. After the war, he returned to his hometown of Stockton, Kansas, where he began his post-military career working in the oil fields for Halliburton.

In later years, Charlie moved to Fort Morgan, Colorado, where he became a familiar face at Clatworthy’s, selling cars and making friends with customers for many years. Known for his outgoing nature, Charlie had a way of striking up conversations with just about anyone, whether he knew them or not.

Charlie had a deep love for the outdoors. He was an avid horseman, boater, and fisherman, and especially enjoyed trips to Flaming Gorge. Gardening and dining out were two of his favorite pastimes, accompanied by good company and stories.

Eventually settling in Keenesburg, Colorado, Charlie fulfilled a dream by owning and operating his own restaurant, Charlie D’s. He and his beloved partner Pat shared a passion for travel and explored the world together. They also spent many winters as snowbirds in sunny Arizona.

Charlie was a proud member of the Elks Lodge #1143 and the Fidelity Masonic Lodge #106 A.F. & A.M. in Eureka, Kansas, where he formed lifelong friendships and gave back to his community.

Charlie’s warmth, humor, and welcoming spirit will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

He is survived by his seven children, Janet Batchelor of Colorado, Rebecca Oldemeyer, Arkansas, Charles Dunning, Jr., Colorado, Bessie Gay Thomas, Oklahoma, Rusty Dunning, Colorado, Joel Dunning, Arizona, and Peggy Ryan, Texas; 10 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Pat Meyers; siblings, Thelma Claudine Autenreith, Alberta Mae, Guy Denzil, and Atta Lee.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at the Stockton Church of Restoration in Stockton. (Livestream of the service will be available at www.plumeroverlease.com) Inurnment will follow at Plainville Cemetery with Military and Masonic honors.

Memorials are suggested to the Wounded Warrior Project and may be sent to Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home, 723 N 1st, Stockton, KS 67669.