Paul Wood Dunkley

Paul Wood Dunkley, 82 years old. Born December 29, 1941, Payson, Utah. Died of natural causes January 13, 2024, American Fork, Utah.

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Paul was raised in Utah County, Tennessee, Minnesota, and Arizona - where he lettered in track at Hayden High School. He graduated from American Fork High School in 1960. He attended BYU, (and later) Weber State University. He served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Western Canadian Mission. Paul served in the Army National Guard 1457 Engineering Battalion.

Paul married Bonnie Jean Barker of American Fork, on April 24, 1964, in the Salt Lake Temple. They have six children, 18 grandchildren, and three great grandchildren.

Paul provided for his family with occupation at Signetics, US Steel, Evans & Sutherland, Litton Industries, Larson Davis and 35 years as a professor at Utah Valley University teaching: electrical engineering, robotic technology, calculus, and digital & audio sound.

Paul loved to serve people. He faithfully served in many church callings over his lifetime, including bishop of the BYU 172nd Ward. He was an original member of the first all volunteer American Fork Ambulance service. His talents with audio systems were shared for many years with Church ward / stake activities, AF High School events, Utah Regional Ballet and AF Little League Baseball. It continued as a member of the AF Arts Council concert series and military programs held at the cemetery. If there was an opportunity to cook using dutch ovens, he was the first to volunteer. He fixed many TVs and radios over the years, especially for the elderly.

He was known to many simply as “Dunk” and to his family as “Perky”. He was always excited to see anyone he knew and greeted them with a big smile and hello. He was also very kind and interested in strangers and meeting new people. Their story mattered to him. He was a family man and attended his children's many events despite often working two jobs.

Paul loved hunting and fishing as well as building and flying radio controlled airplanes as a member of local flying clubs. Over his lifetime he has owned 22 motorcycles and always had at least one on standby for a joy ride or to take him to work. He enjoyed designing sound equipment including building speakers and amplifiers. He also could use woodworking and carpentry skills around the home.

Paul is survived by his spouse, Bonnie; daughters, Lori McClure, Gina Larsen (Stephen), Mindi Neilsen (Ian); sons, Sean Paul (Jules), Jason "Jake" (Jozette), Tim (Lindsey); twin sister, Helen Christensen (Neil); brother, James (Joyce); sister-in-law, Sandra Dunkley (Melvin); and brother- in-law, Paul Mathis (Luann). Preceded in death by his parents, Melvin Edson Dunkley and Mary Dorthella Wood; sister Betty John (Lynn); brother, Melvin Dunkley (Sandra); and sister-in-law, Luann Mathis (Paul).

Funeral services will be held Monday, January 22, 2024 at 11 a.m. at the American Fork East Stake Center, 825 East 500 North. Friends may visit family Sunday, January 21st from 6 to 8 p.m. at Anderson & Sons Mortuary, 49 E 100 N, American Fork, and Monday from 9:45 to 10:45 a.m. at the American Fork East Stake Center, 825 East 500 North.

Interment and graveside service will be held at the American Fork Cemetery following the Monday funeral service.

In lieu of flowers, please either make a donation to a charity of your choice, a ward missionary fund, or serve someone today.