Larry Edward Dunn

After a brief hospitalization, Larry Edward Dunn passed away peacefully on May 5th, 2025, at the Medical Center of the Rockies, surrounded by family, friends, and his pastors. He lived a life full of heart, purpose, and more dad jokes than any one man should rightfully know.

Larry wasn’t just a man of accomplishments—he was a man of impact. Early in life, he served with the Youth Corps in New Jersey and New York, then went on to help build two affordable housing developments in Fort Collins, paving the way for many families to become first-time homeowners. He lent his skills to water access programs across the globe in places like Sri Lanka, and later directed economic development initiatives across 47 rural communities in Colorado. He even collaborated with the University of Ulster in Northern Ireland to support communities in Eastern Europe.

Closer to home, he led community development in Pitkin County, Colorado, where he launched the area’s first farmer’s market and community garden. He helped revitalize an African American neighborhood near the University of Kentucky and worked alongside Debra in Larimer County’s Restorative Justice program for at-risk youth. For over 40 years, Larry was a proud member of the Overland Sertoma Club, raising funds for youth charities in Northern Colorado. He was, in every sense of the word, a servant-leader.

But before all that, Larry grew up in tiny Acequia, Idaho, where his family raised potatoes and dairy cows. He started milking at the age of 7—and if you knew Larry, you’ve probably heard him mention that more than once (or a dozen times). His mom was a schoolteacher and church organist, his father a hard-working farmer who passed on a deep-rooted work ethic to Larry and his sisters.

A proud graduate of Minico High School in Rupert, Idaho, Larry played football, basketball, and worked at the local newspaper. He earned his undergraduate degree at the University of Oregon (Go Ducks!), received a master’s degree from Lexington Theological Seminary in Kentucky, and later completed his doctorate in community development and adult education at the University of Northern Colorado. He worked for 25 years at Colorado State University, where he remained a loyal Ram to the very end.

Larry had a deep love for the Colorado mountains and treasured time at his Red Feather Lakes cabin with Debra. He was a true outdoorsman—whether skiing, motorcycling, or tinkering endlessly on his classic TR6 in the garage. He loved traveling the world with Debra, trying new foods and wines, and charming strangers who never stayed strangers for long.

Larry had a gift for laughter. He was the funniest guy in the room—every room—and knew how to lift spirits with just the right quip. He’d start a story with a serious tone that could quiet a crowd, only to end it with a punchline no one saw coming—classic Larry. His humor, his stories, and his deep, resounding laugh will echo in our memories forever.

His deep faith was the foundation of everything he did—from community service to family life. Larry was always active in his church and received numerous awards for his contributions to both local and international communities.

He is preceded in death by:

His beloved parents, Evelyn Stevens Dunn and Harrison Edward Dunn.

He is survived by:

His loving wife and partner in adventure, Debra Dunn;

His sons: Steven Dunn (Kirsty), Adam Hanks (Amy Barry), Stephen Hanks (Allison), and Brian Hanks (Tricia Eastman);

His grandchildren: Sophia, Cameron, Dylan, Jackson, and Oliver;

His sisters: Carol Newcomb and Kathy Bowles;

…and an entire village of nieces, nephews, friends, neighbors, and colleagues—each of whom are better for having known Larry.

One favorite story Debra often shares is of Larry telling a hilariously inappropriate joke during one of their early dates—causing Brian to laugh so hard that root beer shot out of his nose. That’s Larry. No matter the setting, he could crack a joke that would leave you in stitches…and maybe even a little sticky.

Now we’re quite sure he’s doing the same thing up in heaven—making the angels laugh just as hard as we all did down here.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Larry’s honor to Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Fort Collins. Funds will be shared between two of Larry’s favorite causes: Habitat for Humanity and the Family Housing Network.

Please join us to celebrate Larry’s remarkable life at Monday May 12th 10:00 at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church 2000 S. Lemay Ave, Fort Collins, CO 80525

A streaming link will also be available for those who cannot attend in person. https://our-saviours.org/memorials/