Raymond John Dunham Jr.

Raymond John Dunham Jr.

Cedar Rapids

The world lost a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather on November 22, 2024. Raymond John Dunham Jr., known to most as John, passed away peacefully surrounded by family at the Oldorf Hospice House in Hiawatha. John battled a long fight with cancer, but fought silently as his only focus was to take care of his beloved wife Pat.

John was courageous his whole life as he volunteered for the US Army at age 18. He was deployed to Vietnam where he was trained to be a truck driver for the 585th Transportation Company. John was honorably discharged from the Army after 18 months after his semi accidentally ran over a landmine and he was severely injured. John was hospitalized overseas for months without his family even knowing of the accident. John’s kids have many medals for his bravery that they will cherish.

John was born to Raymond John Dunham Sr. (Jack) and June Elizabeth Nichols on August 16th, 1949. He was raised in Cedar Rapids, Iowa with his older siblings Art and June (Tinker), and his younger brother Gary. In 1968, he met the love of his life, Pat Spencer at The Flamingo on Ellis Blvd. He knew immediately, she was the one! He told her that same day that he was going to marry her, and he did! John and Pat were married on June 6, 1970, and celebrated 54 wonderful years of marriage this past June. On Christmas Day 1970, they welcomed their first child, Chad. A few years later, on June 1, 1975, their daughter Stacy was born.

John worked for 33 years at the corn division of Cargill, until his retirement. His fondest memories of Cargill are the lifelong friends he made while working there, many who he still talked to after retirement.

John enjoyed traveling throughout his life. John and Pat took many trips including a cruise. They bought a houseboat that they loved entertaining on for years, but decided a motorhome was a better fit for them, so they could travel more. Most winters they could be found snow-birding in Mississippi, Texas and Arizona. They have many cherished memories with friends they made while snow-birding.

John had several hobbies throughout his life. He grew up fishing as a kid, and continued that his whole life. He was a deer hunter for many years and has hunted with many family members including his brothers, brother-in-law, son, son-in-law, and a grandson. John was an avid pool player and was well known throughout Cedar Rapids, for his table skills. He also enjoyed an occasional trip to the casino, but never won much! John will be most remembered by all for his sense of humor and always having a joke ready, no matter where he was!

John is survived by his son, Chad (Kylene) of Hiawatha, daughter, Stacy (Vince) of Cedar Rapids. John loved all 5 of his grandchildren dearly: Peyton, Ashleigh, Miles, Breighan and Braxton. He also adored, spoiled and overfed his dog, Lucy!

John was preceded in death by his wife Patricia, his sister Tinker, both his parents Jack and June, and a stepfather John Willamon.

The family will hold a military honors service Tuesday, November 26th at 5:00 pm at Murdoch-Linwood Funeral Home, 520 Wilson Ave SW, Cedar Rapids and all are welcome. They’re also inviting you to a Celebration of Life Gathering at The Legacy Center immediately following the service til 7:30 pm. The family is providing a meal at the celebration.

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations in John’s honor to be directed to the Dennis & Donna Oldorf Hospice House, 315 18th Ave. Hiawatha, Iowa 52233.

Please share a memory of John at www.murdochfuneralhome.com under obituaries.