Gerald Allyn "Gary" Dunham

Gerald Allyn “Gary” Dunham of Caro, age 73, passed away on Monday, September 8, 2025 at home, surrounded by his family. He was born on August 29, 1952, the son of the late O.D. and Marjorie (Stout) Dunham. Gary graduated from Fairgrove High School and later from the Northeastern Police Academy at Delta College. His early years of hard work began at Weber Steel, but it was law enforcement that became his true calling. Gary dedicated nearly three decades of service to the Tuscola County Sheriff’s Department, beginning in the jail, moving on to the road patrol for ten years, and later finding his greatest fulfillment at the Friend of the Court, where he worked for over fourteen years.

A man of faith, Gary was a member of Caro First Baptist Church, active with Awana, and went on many mission trips to South America. He was a member of the Tuscola County Gun Club, and the Blue Knights, a law enforcement motorcycle club. Gary enjoyed the outdoors, whether it was hunting woodchucks, deer, and pheasants, shooting skeet, or woodworking. He loved the freedom of the open road on his Honda motorcycle, taking countless trips. Gary stood by the Detroit Lions through thick and thin, mostly thin. In classic Lions fashion, they managed to disappoint him one last time before he left us.

Gary was a self-proclaimed ice cream connoisseur, though in truth he simply loved them all equally and frequently. He had a stubborn streak at times, but that was matched with generosity, always ready to lend a hand to anyone in need. His work ethic was unmatched, and his sense of humor kept those around him laughing. A true family man, he loved being around his children and grandchildren.

Gary leaves to cherish his memory, his children, Jennifer (Antoine) LaPratt, Matt (Jaylee Burnham) Dunham, and Michael Dunham; grandchildren, Abbey and Owen LaPratt and Madison and Waylon Dunham; brothers, Larry Dunham and Bob (Denise) Dunham; five nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Gary was preceded in death by his daughter, Julie Dunham and grandchildren, Allison LaPratt and Andrew LaPratt.

Gary’s funeral service will be on Friday, September 12, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at the Caro First Baptist Church with Rev. Marc Herron and Rev. Ronald Wigand officiating. The family will be present to receive visitors on Thursday, September 11, 2025 from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the Ransford Collon Funeral Home in Caro and again at the church on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider memorial contributions to the wishes of the family, c/o Jennifer LaPratt, 205 West Sherman Street, Caro, MI 48723.