BEDFORD – The State of Indiana lost a prominent official on Saturday, Gerald “Gerry” Edward Dunn, 93, of Bedford, formerly of Avon, Indiana.
Dunn spent the largest segment of his career working for the state of Indiana. He held positions on the State Board of Health, the State Fire Marshal’s Office, the Department of Public Works, and then the State Building Commissioner’s Office.
He ultimately became the Indiana State Building Commissioner in 1985 and held the position during the administrations of three governors including Gov. Robert Orr, Gov. Evan Bayh, and Gov. Frank O’Bannon until his retirement in January 2001.
He received two Sagamore of the Wabash Awards; one from Governor Robert Orr in 1988, and the second from Governor Frank O’Bannon at his retirement in 2001. The Sagamore Award is the highest honor that
the state of Indiana can bestow upon one of its citizens.
Born July 4, 1929, in Beech Grove, Indiana to Guy Albert and Mary Viola (Jackson) Dunn. He married Phyllis May Floyd on July 19, 1950, and she preceded him in death on November 10, 2002.
He was a lifelong member of the Church of Christ and served as a deacon and then as an elder for many years. He was a member of Central Church of Christ in Bedford, and previously of Eagle Valley Church of Christ in Clermont.
He graduated from Arsenal Technical High School in Indianapolis in 1947, then graduated from Purdue University with a degree in Electrical Engineering, achieving his Professional Engineering license in 1959.
He was active in the Boy Scouts in the 60s and 70s as a Cubmaster, a Scoutmaster, and an Explorer Post Advisor.
He was a veteran of the U.S. Army.
Funeral services will be conducted at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, February 2nd in the Elmwood Chapel of the Day & Carter Mortuary with Minister Rick Leach officiating and where military rites will be accorded by members of Gillen Post #33 American Legion. Burial will follow in West Ridge Park Cemetery in Indianapolis. Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 1st at the Day & Carter Mortuary.
