Kirikos Family Funeral Home, Inc | Truth or Consequences, NM

Obituary For Leon Dunning

On August 29, 2021, Leon Dunning left us to join his daughter in Heaven. He was born in Mountain Lakes, NJ on February 7, 1938. He was preceded in death by his father, John Dunning; his mother, Helen Hinterliter; and his daughter, Deborah Dunning. Leon graduated from Morris Regional High in Rockaway, NJ in 1957. He got married to his wife, Joan Grumka, in 1959. They had their daughter, Deborah in 1961 and their son, John in 1964. Leon was a great western and wildlife artist. He raised dogs and horses. Hunting and fishing were the great joys of his life. To his family he became known as “Poppys taxi”, he always took everyone where they need to be. He was a salesman for many years in the liquor, beer, tobacco, and wine business. In 1983 along with his wife, Joan and his son, John, he started his own business called Superior Syrup Co. in Sparta, NJ. He ran that successful business for 15 years before retiring in T. or C., NM. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Joan; and his son, John Dunning, of T. or C., NM. He is also survived by his sister, Patricia Kamien and her husband, Jack, of Miltonvale, KS; his brothers - Ronald Dunning and wife, Linda, of Seven Lakes, NC, and Benny Carbone, of Oak Ridge, NJ; 2 granddaughters – Nichole VanAmburgh of New York, and Courtney VanAmburgh of T. or C., NM; 3 great-grandchildren – Christine Brown of T. or C., NM, and Brandon and Ryder Frisbie of New York; several sisters-in-law; and many nieces and nephews. Per his request, there will be no services or viewing.

Guest Book

With heavy heart hearing that Leon passed, our deepest condolences to Leon's family. He will be dearly missed. We have personally known him for as long as we have been here at the Rio Grande Motel, Williamsburg, NM (2009). He was one of a kind guy and a great artist we have known. He was such a great person to have conversation with every time we met. His knowledge about horses was so vast and very educational, I have learned something new every time when we mentioned about horses. I love his horses/cowboys/Native Americans paintings. We enjoy every pieces of his arts/paintings we owned as well. Our guests always compliment and appreciate his pieces in our lobby/office and in our guest rooms. Rest In Piece Leon. Penn & Dan Root

- na

My Uncle Leon was truly larger than life. I have fond memories of visiting him, Aunt Joan, Debbie, and Johnny; having cookouts, and playing lawn jarts. He and Aunt Joan were so supportive when my Dad passed several years ago. He will be missed by all who were lucky to have known him. Rest in Peace Uncle Leon.

- na

Leon was always larger than life in my eyes. He would come to the farm to hunt and spend time with my family. My mother was his Aunt. At first he scared me then I realized he was just a big teddy bear. I miss those days and wish I could have seen him again. Love to Joan, and all the family. Love Sandy Insinga

- na

Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

- Kirikos Family Funeral Home, Inc | Truth or Consequences, NM