Ernest Dunning
1929-2025
Ernest Dunning (Ern), 95, of Sunset Hills, MO, passed away peacefully on February 11, 2025.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Jane Dunning, and is survived by their children, James (Cynthia) Dunning and Martha (Todd) Aschbacher.
Ern was the proud grandfather of Amy (Bobby) Albertson, Timothy (Erica) Dunning, Andrew (Ali) Dunning, Maggie Aschbacher, and John Aschbacher, and great-grandfather of Michael, Emma, Jack, Will, Madison, Mollie, Mila, Mason, Maxwell, Brooklyn, and Nora.
After graduating from the University of Missouri (Columbia), Ern served as First Lieutenant in the United States Air Force. Following his discharge, he worked as a flight test engineer for McDonnell Aircraft. Ern taught science for thirty years in the Kirkwood School District serving as science department chair and track coach. He was awarded a National Science Foundation grant to obtain his Master’s in Earth Science from Oregon State University. In addition, he was selected as a finalist from Missouri for the “First Teacher in Space” NASA shuttle program.
Ern was a master woodworker and enjoyed golf, tennis, and bridge. His engaging smile and warm personality endeared him to all who met and knew him. He was so loved and will be missed.
The family would like to thank Ern’s wonderful caregivers at the Friendship Village South Care Center and at Mercy Hospital-Ballas.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 8, 2025, at 3:45 p.m.
First Presbyterian Church of Kirkwood
100 East Adams
Kirkwood, Missouri 63122
For more details, please go to stlouiscremation.com.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to
First Presbyterian Church of Kirkwood
100 East Adams
Kirkwood, Missouri 63122
Dad lived life to the fullest and we will miss him. He influenced so many in a very positive and loving manner…his wife, children, grand and great-grand children, students, friends, co-workers, neighbors, and his parents and siblings.
I pray God’s comfort and peace over you in this time of loss. Thank you for sharing your parents with the family at Friendship Village. Blessings, Pastor Steve and the Chaplain team of Friendship Village.
Papa had a huge impact on my life. I will cherish the time spent listening to his stories, and constantly learning from him. I also feel incredibly lucky that my children were able to know him. He was such an inspiring person and will be missed forever
Ern was a ‘distant’ cousin of my dad’s, Curt Wallace. Whenever we bumped into each other at church, we greeted each other as cousins which always made me feel like we had a special connection. I moved away, but will lways remember those special moments with him. He was always so warm and friendly. I need look through my mom’s genealogy records as a reminder of our particular relation. I am so sorry for your loss, and though many years have passed since our last hug, I have tears.
Mr. Dunning was my favorite science teacher and sparked my interest in all the sciences. Which led me to a career in Nursing. Peace and love to his entire family.