Frankie Lowe Dunivan Obituary
Frankie (Tubby) Lowe Dunivan, 90, of Caruth, MO, passed away peacefully at home August 26, 2023, with his beloved wife, Barbara, and family at his side.
Frank was born between Senath and Hornersville in Nesbit, MO, on September 21, 1932 to James Oscar and Molly Miller (Chailland) Dunivan. He grew up with his brother, James C (Sonny) Dunivan, in Caruth, MO on the family farm where he helped raise chickens and hogs, and grew soybeans, wheat, corn, and cotton.
He graduated high school from Senath High School in 1950. As a young adult, he served his country enlisting in the United States Air Force and serving as a medic during the Korean Conflict. He served four years and then attended Arkansas State College/University, where he earned his bachelor's, master's, and specialist's degrees.
Frank met Barbara (Batchelor) at a church service while serving at Fort Walton Beach. She quickly became the love of his life. They married on June 24, 1954 in Pensacola, Florida. Together, they moved back to Missouri where they raised their five children. As time passed and their family grew, they became "Gaggy" and "Noni" to 15 grandchildren and an ever-growing number of great-grandchildren.
He impacted hundreds of students during his decades as a math and science teacher for local schools, including Hayti, Arbyrd, Hornersville, and Senath. Once retired from teaching, he worked for the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) for 15 years. After this, he taught College Algebra through Williams Baptist College and drove a school bus for Senath-Hornersville School District.
As a lifelong member of Senath First Baptist Church, he spent many years singing in the choir, giving to mission projects, and serving at VBS. He had fond memories of the church and was proud that his grandfather, W.E. Dunivan, designed and built the sanctuary still in use today.
His family will remember that he always carried sweets in his pockets to share. Win or lose, he rooted for the St. Louis Cardinals. He enjoyed stirring the punch at birthday parties. He loved puppy dogs. Many of his days were spent outdoors planting and tending trees, especially Noni's Whispering Pines.
Frank was preceded in death by his father, James Oscar Dunivan; mother, Molly Miller Dunivan; and his brother, James C. (Sonny) Dunivan.
He is survived by his wife, Barbara Dunivan; children, James (Pam) Dunivan, Anne (Bob) Fooks, Mark (Janet) Dunivan, Christi (Mike) McCurry, and Chip Dunivan; his grandchildren, Amy Dunivan, Brad Dunivan, Laura (Phillip) McHenry; Samantha (Mitchell) Nail, Zach Dunivan, Stephanie (Seth) Campbell, Jonathan Dunivan, Kimberly (Stephen) Parris, Nate Dunivan, Keith Cassidy, Kyle (Evyn) Cassidy, Katelynn (Ryan) Dixon; Kaleb Dunivan, Emily Dunivan, Allyson Dunivan, and several great-grandchildren.
His wishes were to forego public services in favor of a private Celebration of Life. In respecting those wishes, there will be no formal services; however, to allow for any that wish to express personal condolences, the family will have a receiving line at Senath First Baptist Church Sunday, September 3rd from 2:00-4:00 pm.
Notes of sympathy and support may be addressed to Barbara at 16379 State Route P, Kennett, MO 63857.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be mailed in his honor to International Gospel Outreach (IGO) Ministries, 1910 Nugent Drive, Mansfield, TX 76063. IGO is a 501 (c) 3 organization that facilitates short-term mission trips around the globe.
