Robert Virgil Dunlavy

Robert Virgil Dunlavy, 84, passed away on October 9, 2026, leaving behind a lifetime of love, cherished memories, and a legacy that will live on through the generations of family he loved so dearly.

Born on June 1, 1942, Robert was a devoted husband, loving father, proud grandfather and great-grandfather, United States Air Force veteran, and a man whose kindness, wisdom, and dedication touched the lives of those who knew him.

A Lifetime of Love

Robert shared nearly 60 wonderful years of marriage with his beloved wife, Margaret “Maggie” Dunlavy. Their love story began in Wichita during the 1960s, when they met while “dragging Douglas,” a popular local tradition in which young people cruised Douglas Avenue, gathering with friends and enjoying the excitement of the era.

What began as a chance meeting along Douglas Avenue grew into a lifetime of love, partnership, and devotion. Together, Robert and Maggie built a beautiful life centered on family, love, and commitment. They would have celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on November 5, 2026.

Military Service, Education, and Career

Robert proudly served his country in the United States Air Force. He also had a passion for broadcasting, working at Wichita’s KLEO radio station under the on-air name Bob Dunn. He later worked as a cameraman for KAKE-TV in Wichita.

Robert went on to earn his bachelor’s degree in business from Wichita State University in 1980.

He enjoyed a successful career in sales and sales management with Scott Paper Company. After leaving Scott Paper, he continued to work part-time in the same industry until his retirement in 2016.

Community Involvement

Robert believed in giving back to his community and sharing his time with others. He was active in Boy Scout Troop 420 and the Lions Club, contributing his time and dedication to organizations focused on service, mentorship, and helping others.

His involvement reflected the same values of leadership, generosity, and commitment that he demonstrated throughout his life.

A Love of Colorado and Family Traditions

Colorado held a special place in Robert’s heart. It was where he and Maggie spent their honeymoon and a place they returned to year after year. As their family grew, they shared their love of the mountains with their three sons through annual family vacations. What began as a honeymoon destination became a cherished family tradition filled with memories that would last a lifetime.

Robert was an avid fly fisherman who especially loved the Taylor River in Colorado. But fishing was more than a pastime; it was something he loved sharing with his sons. He patiently taught his boys how to pop-cast their lines into the river and how to tie flies onto their fishing lines. Those moments

along the Taylor River were more than fishing lessons. They were lessons in patience, perseverance, and the simple joy of spending time together.

Robert was also a talented and passionate photographer with a remarkable eye for the beauty of nature. Through his camera lens, he captured colorful mountain wildflowers, majestic elk and deer, and the breathtaking landscapes of Colorado. His photography was not limited to the outdoors. He also had the honor of photographing several of his grandchildren’s weddings, preserving precious family moments that will be treasured for generations.

For Robert, Colorado was never simply a vacation destination. It was a place where his love of family, fishing, photography, and the outdoors came together. From his honeymoon with Maggie to teaching his sons to fish in the Taylor River, those mountains became a lasting part of his family’s story.

A Legacy of Love and Family

Above all else, Robert was a family man. To his sons, he was more than a father. He was a coach, teacher, mentor, and trusted friend. He offered guidance when it was needed, encouragement when it mattered most, and a lifetime of lessons that will continue to shape his family for generations.

Robert is survived by his beloved wife, Margaret “Maggie” Dunlavy; his three sons and their wives, Scott and Shonda Dunlavy, Steve and Lisa Dunlavy, and Shane and Trisha Dunlavy; 13 grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Virgil and Merle Dunlavy, and his sister and brother-in-law, Norma and Leland Hoch.

A Special Thank You

The Dunlavy family would like to extend a special and heartfelt thank you to Shonda Dunlavy for the extraordinary love, compassion, and care she provided Robert during the final five weeks of his life.

Alongside the family, Shonda devoted her time to ensuring he was surrounded by comfort, dignity, and love. Her unwavering support, gentle care, and selfless dedication gave Robert something that only family can truly provide: the reassurance that he was deeply loved and never alone.

Her kindness and devotion during those precious final weeks will forever be remembered and appreciated by the entire family.

Funeral Arrangements and Military Honors

Family and friends are invited to gather on Monday, October 19, 2026, to honor and celebrate the life of Robert Virgil Dunlavy.

Viewing — 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM

Baker Funeral Home – Wichita East 6100 E. Central Avenue, Suite 203 Wichita, KS 67208

This will be a public viewing only. No formal funeral service will be held at the funeral home. Graveside Funeral Service — 2:00 PM White Chapel Wichita, Kansas

In honor of Robert’s service in the United States Air Force, military honors will include the ceremonial presentation of the American flag to his beloved wife, Margaret “Maggie” Dunlavy, and the playing of Taps.

All family members and friends are warmly welcome to attend both the viewing and the graveside service as we gather to celebrate Robert’s life and honor his memory.

Forever in Our Hearts

While his passing leaves an immeasurable emptiness in the hearts of those who loved him, Robert’s legacy lives on in the family he raised, the values he instilled, the photographs he captured, and the countless memories he created.

His greatest accomplishment was not measured by the years he worked or the things he achieved, but by the family he loved, the lives he touched, and the memories he leaves behind.

He will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten.