William L. Dunlap 1928-2024

Born Jan. 13, 1928, he was a son of the late Loren and Christine Schuster Dunlap.

William graduated from South High School in 1946 and shortly thereafter served his country proudly in the United States Navy. After his service, William worked for Ohio Edison in Niles and then briefly in Lorain.

William returned to the Youngstown area and started his own business, Dunlap Construction, where he and his brother, Jim, built custom residential homes for the next 40 years. He also co-founded and operated D&G Enterprises, which built in-ground swimming pools.

On Oct. 7, 1950, William married the love of his life, the former Justine Pelton of Hubbard. William and Justine welcomed their four children and were later blessed with their two grandchildren. The two shared almost 55 beautiful years of marriage until her passing in 2005.

William and Justine loved to travel and spent many winters on Sanibel Island in Florida. He enjoyed sailing, boating and woodworking.

Above all, he cherished time with his family. He is most admired by family for his gentle soul, his love of family and his appreciation of a good life. He would always say, “It’s been a pretty good trip … so far.” He will be greatly missed!

He leaves behind to cherish his memory, his daughters, Laurie L. (John) Weber of Columbus and Sherri L. Dunlap of Boardman; son, Martin L. (Mary Jo) Dunlap of Hartville; his brother, Jim (Edith) Dunlap of North Lima; grandchildren, Valerie Dunlap of Kent and Joshua Dunlap of Athens, Georgia; lifelong friend, whom William considered to be his third son, Dr. Jeff (Julie) Kesler of Toledo; and his grandson, Will Kesler of Fort Myers, Florida.

William was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Justine Dunlap; his son, Scott Dunlap; his sister, Martha Pearce; and friend / companion of 15 years, Donna Masters.

Family and friends may call 10 to 11:30 a.m. Friday, Nov. 15, 2024, at the Davis-Becker Funeral Home, 8536 Market St., Boardman. Dr. Jeff Kesler will eulogize William at 11:30 a.m.

Interment will take place privately; he will be laid to rest next to his wife in Mount Olivet Cemetery, North Lima.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Crossroads Hospice and Palliative Care, Uniontown.

Online condolences may be made at www.becker obits.com.

(special notice)