Culture

Mr. Dunn Turns 100: The Family Man

When it comes to family, Mr. Dunn’s love and devotion to his late wife, Jean, is at the heart of it all. He called her “Jean the Queen,” and they were married for 75 years before her passing in 2022.

When reflecting on Mr. Dunn’s influence over 100 years, three key areas prominently come to light: family, philanthropy, and building. Mr. Dunn’s genuine commitment to treating others as he would want to be treated has made a bold and lasting impact on the people and communities he has served. From his strong family values and moral fortitude, to building inspired places and serving others, there is so much to be celebrated as Mr. Dunn celebrates his centennial birthday.

The Family Man

“I was so lucky to marry him.” -the late Jean Dunn

When it comes to family, Mr. Dunn’s love and devotion to his late wife, Jean, is at the heart of it all. He called her “Jean the Queen,” and they were married for 75 years before her passing in 2022. Together, they raised five sons and a daughter and built a life centered around family.

One of the family’s major life changing events was in 1967, when their only daughter, Mary Kathleen (deceased in 2007), was born with Down syndrome. Mary was very loving, and she instilled a determination for Mr. Dunn and Jean to serve others. They saw her as one of their greatest blessings.

Just as Mr. Dunn’s father had taken him under his wing, he continued that legacy within his own family. His sons, Bill Jr., Terry, Steve, Kevin, and Bob, have all carried on his legacy and contributed to the success of JE Dunn Construction and the community at large. Mr. Dunn ensured his daughter, Mary, was also involved with the family business. He would regularly take her to job sites and the office where she always insisted on her treat of a Coca-Cola.

The Dunn family, helmed by Mr. Dunn, is known for their integrity, generosity, service, and genuine concern for others. Mr. Dunn’s legacy is sure to continue, now with his 20 grandchildren and more than 40 great-grandchildren.

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William H. Dunn Sr.

The son of our founder, John Ernest Dunn, “Mr. Dunn” spent 73 years working at JE Dunn before retiring in January 2020. Without question, JE Dunn would not be the company it is today without his knowledge, heart, determination, and grit.

July 20, 2023
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Mr. Dunn
The Family Man
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Mr. Dunn
The Builder
Through The Years
1920s
The Beginning
William Henry Dunn, or "Bill" for short, is born to Ernie and Rose on July 20, 1923. The following year, JE Dunn Construction is established with its headquarters in Kansas City, Missouri.
1920s
1930s
Tough Love
Bill meets his future wife, Jean Aylward, during piano class in the early 1930s. Daughter of his parents' friends Charlie and Dorothy, she initially thinks Bill is "too smart for his own good".
1930s
1940s
Serviceman, Husband, & Father
Bill begins active duty in September of 1943 as a naval pilot before graduating from Rockhurst College in 1946. He then goes on to marry the love of his life, Jean Aylward, in February of 1947 before the couple welcomes their first two sons, Bill Jr. and Terry, to the family in 1948 and 1949, respectively.
1940s
1950s
Working Man
Now officially working for JE Dunn Construction, Bill is a part of countless projects, including cleanup of the 1951 Flood in Kansas City where he learns the importance of putting clients first from his father. His son Steve is then born in 1952, followed by Kevin in 1958.
1950s
1960s
Family Business
Following the birth of his fifth son Bob in 1960, Bill is passed down 20 percent ownership of the company with the death of his father, John Ernest Dunn, in 1964. Just two years later, he and Ernie Jr. buy the remaining ownership from their mother and two sisters before Jean gives birth to their final child Mary in 1967.
1960s
1970s
A New Beginning
In February of 1974, Ernie Jr. sells his family's share of the company to Bill who takes full ownership of JE Dunn Construction. A handful of superintendents and office people stick around following the buyout.
1970s
1980s
Building for the Future
Under Bill's direction, the development of the Dunn Family Foundation helps to create the company's core values. This allows JE Dunn to take on new projects in the early 1980s before Bill appoints Terry as President and CEO in 1989.
1980s
1990s
Innovative Thinking
In order to compliment the steady growth and provide a new way of thinking, Bill makes the administrative decision to bring outside directors to Dunn Industries in 1999 for the first time in the company's history.
1990s
2000s
Geographical Expansion
With the capacity to take on more projects across the nation, JE Dunn expands into multiple new cities and builds another office in Kansas City with the goal of developing current employees into supervisors, showing the company's commitment to its internal stakeholders.
2000s
2010s
Employee Ownership
As a longstanding privately-owned company held by the Dunn family, JE Dunn makes the transition to become employee owned in 2010 with the introduction of the Employee Stock Ownership Plan to further show its appreciation for those who make everything possible.
2010s
2020s
Ever Onward
Now celebrating his 100th birthday on July 20, 2023, Bill continues to make his mark on JE Dunn, its employees, and everyone he interacts with. He has always said that "it's important to leave the world in better shape than when you came into it", and there is no doubt that he has helped to do just that. This company and family is put in a position to succeed because of his contributions, and we strive to carry on the legacy he has built for us each and every day. Happy Birthday, Mr. Dunn!
2020s
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