Marvin Dale Dunlap, 78, formerly of Jacksonville and Cabot Arkansas, passed away on July 19, 2021. He was born on August 6, 1942 in Marshalltown, Iowa to the late William Francis Dunlap and Dale Elizabeth (Butler) Dunlap. In addition to his parents, Marvin was preceded in death by his brother, Larry Dunlap.

Marvin was born and raised on a farm near Marshalltown, Iowa until 1955, when he moved to Brewster, Kansas at the age of thirteen. He graduated from high school in Brewster in 1960, then graduated from Fort Hays State University in 1964 and later earned a Master's degree from Webster University. He joined the Air Force in 1966, served honorably in Vietnam and retired in April of 1986 as a Lt. Colonel after 20 plus years of service.  Marvin's greatest love was flying.  During his career he flew the C-7 Caribou in Vietnam, instructed in T-37s in Arizona and T-41s in Colorado and spent many years flying C-130s in Little Rock, AR. Some of Marvin's career highlights included commanding the first co-ed squadron of the Air Force, the 3781st Student squadron at Shepherd AFB; serving as an AOC (Air Officer Commanding) at the United States Air Force Academy, Cadet Squadron 5; and two assignments at Little Rock AFB in the 32nd and 61st Flying Squadrons. After retiring from the Air Force, Marvin worked at CAE Link as a C-130 Subject Matter Expert and at Arkansas Rehabilitation Services as a Program Manager.

Marvin was a patient, loving father figure to all who knew him. As a pilot, he enjoyed teaching others how to fly and in his spare time could be found tinkering away in his garage. Although he was always frugal when purchasing things for himself, he was incredibly generous to others and would happily give the shirt off his back if someone needed one. He will be missed dearly for his great sense of humor and all of the stories he loved sharing.  Marvin could talk easily with anyone about any number of topics.

Those left to cherish the memories of Marvin include his wife of fifty-six years, Carolyn (Tovrea) Dunlap; daughter, Cristy Lynn (Dunlap) Rice and husband Michael Rice; son, John William Dunlap and wife Stephanie Dunlap; granddaughters, Morgan Rice and Natalie Dunlap; brother, Jerry and wife, Yetta Dunlap; and sister-in-law, Judy Dunlap.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m., Saturday, July 24, 2021 at Moore's Jacksonville Funeral Home. A visitation will be 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Friday, July 23, 2021 at the funeral home. Marvin will be laid to rest immediately following the service at Chapel Hill Memorial Park. Arrangements by Moore's Jacksonville Funeral Home, (501) 982-2136.