Robert Charles ‘Bob’ Dunkerley

Bob was born on July 18, 1952, in Grove City, Pennsylvania, to the late Marilyn J. and Robert P. Dunkerley. He graduated from Bethel Park Senior High School in 1970, where he was very active in both band and performing arts.

Bob followed his passion for percussion into WVU’s School of Music, where he studied under lifelong friend and mentor Phil Faini while completing his BMUS in Music Education (Instrumental Emphasis) in 1974.

Bob’s public life was defined by a passion for music, education and community spanning his 33-year-long career as an educator, percussionist, community leader, mentor, composer, conductor, citizen and friend. The legacy of his impact can be heard in the music of his students and their students, as well as through the institutions he nurtured through initial creative spark to culmination.

Bob’s professional career began with Monroe County Schools in the fall of 1974 before transitioning to Wirt County Schools in 1975. His family moved to Jane Lew, West Virginia, in 1977 where Bob took over direction of the Lewis County High School band. In 1984, the Dunkerley family moved to Elkins, West Virginia, where Bob served as the Elkins High School band director for many years. In 1993, Bob established the Elkins High School Jazz Studies and World Music programs while simultaneously completing his MA in Educational Leadership at WVU.

Bob transitioned into educational leadership in 2001 by accepting the position of director of federal programs with the Tucker County Board of Education, where he served until his retirement in 2008.

Following retirement, Bob and his wife Karen created the arts-based educational consultancy Helianthus where he served as president until his passing.

Bob’s music career (outside leading student bands as an educator) is as long and storied as his life. Some of the groups of which he was particularly proud of were the Pride of West Virginia, WVU Percussion Ensemble, The Populaires at the Greenbrier, The WV Historical Society, Vandalia Jazz, National Judges Association, and The St. Brendan’s “Wire Choir.”

Bob was a passionate supporter of equally numerous civic and community organizations, and was particularly proud of his roles in the Rotary Club of Elkins, Davis Medical Center Board of Trustees, Randolph County Community Arts Center, Leadership West Virginia, West Virginia Dance Company, Knights of Columbus Council 603, Knights of Columbus Our Lady of the Mountains 3159, National Association of Rudimental Drummer, and Elks Lodge 1135 (where he enjoyed playing terrible golf for many years.)

Though Bob’s life and career was marked by many awards and achievements, he was most honored and humbled by the 2010 Elkins Chamber of Commerce “Citizen of the Year” award, the National Judges Association’s “Judge Emeritus” award in 2014, and the 2015 “Rotarian of the Year” award from the Rotary Club of Elkins.

Bob’s personal life was a profound expression of love shared with his family and most intimate friends. He easily, without hesitation or reservation, dedicated space in his heart, his mind, and his time to those he loved and loved him. Bob and his wife built a life upon the simple gifts they cherished together, and grew that joy into a family that will miss him dearly.

Bob is survived by his wife of 48 years, Karen Dunkerley; his son Ryan Dunkerley; daughter-in-law Erin Clemens; and grand-daughter, Nova Clemens-Dunkerley, with whom he shared a particularly close relationship. He enjoyed close relationships with his brothers-in-law, Timothy Campbell (Patti), N David Campbell (Janet), Maxine Kebles (George) and their families.

He was preceded in death by his only brother, John Dunkerley, who is survived by his sister-in-law, Dixie Dunkerley; and nephews John (Heather), David (Robyn), and Bill Dunkerley and families.

Bob’s request for cremation was honored and details of the remembrance service will be shared at a later date.

In honor of Bob’s lifelong passion for music, creativity, leadership and education, his family has established a memorial fund with Tucker Community Foundation to enable a new generation of West Virginians in expressing their originality.

Memorial donations can be sent via check to Tucker Community Foundation (TCF – In Memory of Bob Dunkerley, PO Box 491, Parsons WV 26281) or designated online at tuckerfoundation.net by selecting the Donate tab with the notation “In Memory of Bob Dunkerley” in the comments.

Bob’s family would also like to thank the members of the Jefferson County EMS and Jefferson County Medical Center for their efforts to care for Bob and his family in his final hours.

The Tomblyn Funeral Home of Elkins is in charge of the arrangements for Robert Charles “Bob” Dunkerley.

Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.tomblynfuneralhome.com.