JOHN NOEL DUNN

October 8, 2026

John Noel Dunn was born in 1927 in Elkton, SD, and grew up there. He graduated from Creighton University Medical School in 1954. Colonel (Doctor) Dunn, after Internship, served in the USAF through 1983. His final assignment was as Chief of the Clinical Consultants Division, Office of the Surgeon General, and as a Consultant in Family Practice.

He was involved in various ministries—including charismatic renewal, Cursillo, early ACTS, and the Oblate School of Theology—and also served as a physician at the Bexar County Jail for a short time. He was ordained a Catholic deacon in the Archdiocese of San Antonio, serving actively for 26 years with assignments at St. John Neumann Parish and later St. Peter, Prince of the Apostles Parish.

His wife, Jean, accompanied him on his journey anywhere, anytime, with patience, grace, and understanding. He was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Jean Dunn; his parents, John and Jane; and his brother, William Dunn, DDS.

He is survived by his children: Colonel Jane (Joseph) Louma, USAF (Ret.); Anne (Jay) Yeary; Brian (Linnea) Dunn; Barbara (Michael) Heier; and Colonel Kathleen (John) Dunn-Cane, USAF, Nurse Corps (Ret.); as well as 14 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.

A Mass celebrating his life will be held at 10:30 AM on November 2 at St. Anthony de Padua Catholic Church (and live-streamed on their Facebook page), followed by a reception. A private burial will be held at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Saint Bonaventure Indian Mission, PO Box 610, Thoreau, NM 87323.