Joe Dunmire

Joe A. 'Papa Joe' Dunmire was called by the Great Architect of the Universe to join his beloved wife, Arlyne, in Heaven early on the morning of October 12, 2010. They are celebrating being together again. Joe was born in Sioux City, IA on December 5, 1924 to George and Gladys Dunmire. Memorial services will be held Friday, October 22, 2010 at 10 AM at First Christian Church, 520 CY Avenue, Casper, Wyoming.
Joe served in the U.S. Navy during World War II, 1944-1947. He married Dorothy, 'Arlyne', Denton on March 28, 1947 in Billings, Montana. They lived in Powell, WY until moving to Casper in 1952. Papa Joe worked in the oil industry for the first 10 years of their life. He was a long-term employee of Casper Lumber where he assisted many customers and made many friends. After Casper Lumber closed its doors, he became the first Director of Maintenance at Crestview Hospital (Wyoming Behavioral Institute) for the next 8 years. He retired in a 1990.
As a boy, Joe was a member of the Boy Scouts of America. Joe was a long-standing member of First Christian Church and was active in the Christian Mens' Fellowship and the diaconate. He was also a member of the Wyoming Medical Center Auxiliary, Habitat for Humanity, and the original parkway cleanup. Papa Joe, along with Arlyne, supported many activities for his daughters including: Brownies, Girl Scouts and Bethel #28 Jobs' Daughters. He and his father, George J. Dunmire, were both initiated into Masonry, Lovell Lodge #36 in 1946. He was a member of Independence Rock Lodge #56, Scottish Rite Mason and a member of the Casper Consistory Club. As a member of the Korein Temple of the Shriners' and was 'JoJo' the clown in the Calliope Unit. As 'JoJo' he worn a Raggedy Andy costume and drove his clown mobile. Raggedy Ann (Arlyne) would sometimes join for parades. This tradition will be continued by his son-in-law, Rob and daughter, Jolene. He was a firm believer of the Shriners' motto: helping kids and having fun. As a member of the good Sam's Club, Joe and Arlyne enjoyed RVing after retirement, when not spending time at the cabin on Casper Mountain. He also enjoyed hunting and fishing. Papa Joe was a 'handyman' and could build and repair anything that needed his magic touch. His workshop was equipped with all the 'tools of the trade' and he was always ready and willing to assist anyone who needed his knowledge and expertise.
Joe was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Arlyne, on March 3, 2010. Papa Joe is survived by, and will be greatly missed by his daughters: Jolene (Rob) Knaus, Coelene (Jim) Martin, Dawn (Bruce) Ciocarlan; Grandchildren-Kristen (Jeff) Atkinson, Dray Thompson, Amber Langdon, Joe Thompson; Great-Grandchildren: Eddie and Cristopf Atkinson (his 'Medicine Pills). Bonus grandchildren: Zach (Lisa) Knaus, Adrian Knaus, Barbara (Danny) Winner, Christy (Tim) Eulberg, Jonathon (Kayla) Ciocarlan; Bonus Great-Grandchildren: Katelyn and Carter Knaus, McKay, Chelsea, Lane, Trystin, Coral, Ty, Cole. In memory of Joe and Arlyne, their daughters and son-in-laws will purchase a leaf on the "Tree of Giving" at the Central Wyoming Hospice and Transitions. A marker will be placed at the Oregon Trail Cemetery in honor of his military history.
Condolences and memories may be placed at www.newcomerscasper.com. Memorials may be made to: Patients' Travel Assistance Fund-Casper Shrine Club, P.O. Box 2222, Casper, WY 82602