Charles Michael Dunkes, never met a stranger
Charles Michael "Mike" Dunkes, 84, passed away peacefully Sunday, Feb. 4, 2024, at home in Rehoboth Beach, surrounded by family. He was a beloved husband, father, brother, grandfather, uncle, cousin, and friend.
Mike is survived by his wife of 63 years, Joann Dunkes; brother, George T. “Tommy” Dunkes (Dawn) of Bel Air, Md.; daughter, Kerin Magill (Eric) of Ocean View; son, Tom Dunkes (Kim) of Granville, Ohio; grandchildren, Kelsey Magill of Washington, D.C., Nathaniel Magill of Ocean View, and Sophia Dunkes, Liam Dunkes and Emma Dunkes of Granville; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins, whom he adored.
Born Dec. 10, 1939, in Baltimore, Md., to George and Ellen Dunkes, Mike graduated from Milford High School before entering basic training with the U.S. Army, where he served as a reservist for seven years. In 1960, he married his sweetheart, Joann.
Mike enjoyed a long career in wood products, beginning as a sales trainee with Weyerhauser. When he retired, Mike was vice president for sales and marketing with PGM Industries.
Mike supported the activities of his children and grandchildren with great enthusiasm. He and Joann attended many swim meets, soccer games, concerts, plays, and recitals as parents and grandparents.
After retirement, Mike joined the Fort Miles Historical Association as a bunker buster volunteer. He served several years on the FMHA board of directors, and considered working to restore and promote the fort as one of his greatest endeavors. “Have you heard about Fort Miles?” was his favorite conversation opener.
Mike never met a stranger. He loved walking the beach near their home with his dog, Rudy. A dedicated golfer, Mike enjoyed playing the game with friends wherever he lived.
Mike was a huge Baltimore Ravens fan. If he wasn't talking to people about Fort Miles or bragging about his family, he was remarking, “How 'bout those Ravens?” to just about anyone.
A celebration of life will be scheduled in the spring.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Mike's memory be made to the Fort Miles Historical Association, 15099 Cape Henlopen Drive, Lewes, DE 19958.
