Francis Patrick Dunn
December 23, 1931 ~ July 10, 2020
Born in:
Springfield, Ohio
Resided in:
Navasota, Texas
Francis Patrick Dunn, 88, died peacefully in his sleep on Friday morning, July 10th, 2020 in The Woodlands of natural causes. He was born December 23, 1931 in Springfield, Ohio, the son of Charles L. and Mary Frances (Clark) Dunn.
He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Betty, along with three sons: John and his wife Connie of The Woodlands, Mark and his wife Diana of The Woodlands and Brian and his wife Mia of Pasadena, Ca. He was also blessed with three grandchildren: Jeffrey Dunn, Michelle Dunn, and Christopher Dunn. He also leaves three sisters, Ann Dunn of Ashland, Ohio; Susan Dunn White of Park Ridge, Illinois; and Eileen Dunn of Cincinnati, Ohio; as well as several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister and four brothers.
Dunn received a Bachelor of Arts degree with Magna Cum Laude honors from Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio in 1952. He then entered the U. S. Air Force to serve in Japan and with the Strategic Air Command on the B-47 aircraft as the electronic countermeasures/navigator officer. Following his SAC military service retirement in 1957 he then graduated Magna Cum Laude in December of 1960 from Ohio State University with B.S. and M.S. degrees in Civil Engineering.
Upon Ohio State graduation, Dunn became employed with Shell Oil for his entire 32 year career until retiring in March 1993. His early work was as a project engineer designing and installing offshore platforms and production facilities. In 1966 he participated in a major strategic study of offshore development economics. After an 18-month stint in Midland, Texas as an assistant to the engineering manager, he was assigned to Shell Offshore’s Construction and Design Group in 1968, becoming the Manager in 1969.
The Construction and Design Group designed all of Shell Offshore’s platforms that included Cognac, Bullwinkle and many others until Auger at the time of his retirement. The Group also designed some platforms in the North Sea for Shell United Kingdom.
Dunn was the recipient of the 1993 Offshore Technology Conference “Distinguished
Achievement Award” for “a bold and innovative philosophy and style that have significantly influenced the design and construction of offshore structures worldwide; and for championing cooperative government/industry efforts including the development of API-recommended practices and work on Marine Board activities.”
Outside of work, Dunn was active in the Catholic Church and was an avid golfer, highlighted by playing Monterey Peninsula’s Cypress Point, and Scottish courses of St. Andrews, Muirfield, Royal Troon, the Ailsa at Turnberry, Royal Dornoch, and his favorite at Gullane. Dunn and family were long-time residents of Kingwood, Texas until relocating to a ranch near Navasota, Texas at retirement.
A memorial event will be announced for a later time.
Condolences and memories may be left at the Callaway-Jones Funeral Home at Bryan, Texas https://callawayjones.com/obituaries/ .
View current weather.
Memories Timeline
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
Our very best wishes to Betty and the entire family in these trying times. We are so saddened to learn of Pat’s passing. Others have eloquently extolled Pat’s many technical and leadership virtues so I won’t repeat them again. Although I last worked in Pat’s group in 1974, I have no doubt his wise hand was the guiding force behind so many of my career assignments. I was so fortunate to have him as a mentor, advisor, counselor and friend through those many different assignments until he retired.We fondly remember the picnics in the early days in Metairie and New Orleans, the move to Houston, your Mom helping us buy and sell houses, the after work drinks at your house or ours, No one else combined the work and social aspects, including with family, like your Dad. He truly made a career at Shell so much more enjoyable and rewarding.
All our prayers,
Dan and Linda
So very sorry for Betty and the entire Dunn family. Pat was such a special person and I will cherish the memories of getting to know him and Betty. From the butt chewing I would get from time to time over a Heerema screw up to the December golf matches between Johnny and I.
He lived a long and rewarding life and we know now he is at peace in a better place.
I am so sorry for your loss. Pat was a very special person from all I’ve heard from you.
Pat was a co-worker, a boss, a mentor, a good friend to me, and to many. His well-deserved reputation as a leader in the Offshore Oil and Gas Industry is noted elsewhere.
On a personal level he and Betty were gracious hosts many times to Susan and me and our boys, and later our grandchildren. Michael and David have fond memories of Mr. Dunn, especially competing (and betting on the outcome) with him in various events, mostly the annual Kingwood run. Later on when they had moved to the Ranch, Betty gave Susan and our then 8 (now 17) year old granddaughter Stephanie a tour of the Ranch in “the mule”, to see the animals and flowers. Stephanie still remembers a fun day. A couple of years ago our two other grandkids received a tour in “the big truck” (their words) to see the cows and the wild pigs. Reid and Reagan loved the tour and the “nice man who took us around and made us laugh”!
Thanks for everything, Pat. You will be missed in many ways.
Condolences to the entire family.
Gordon Sterling
thank you , Sis’ Cindy, for the kind words
thank you Tami and family for your thoughts — remember when you met my mom and dad? — you cooked T-day meal for us — God Bless
We are very sorry for all of you in your loss. It is clear he had a life well-lived. His love of golf was legendary and how wonderful he played the Scottish courses.
May memories of the happy times surround you – and time bring you peace.
thank you Jean and family for the heartfelt words — you are such a dear friend to us — God Bless
Our very best wishes to Betty and the entire family in these trying times. We are so saddened to learn of Pat’s passing. Others have eloquently extolled Pat’s many technical and leadership virtues so I won’t repeat them again. Although I last worked in Pat’s group in 1974, I have no doubt his wise hand was the guiding force behind so many of my career assignments. I was so fortunate to have him as a mentor, advisor, counselor and friend through those many different assignments until he retired.We fondly remember the picnics in the early days in Metairie and New Orleans, the move to Houston, your Mom helping us buy and sell houses, the after work drinks at your house or ours, No one else combined the work and social aspects, including with family, like your Dad. He truly made a career at Shell so much more enjoyable and rewarding.
All our prayers,
Dan and Linda
Dear Betty
Nick and I have fond memories of times with you and Pat and your three boys. Our daughter said she even had a crush on one of the boys! We live in TN now and our daughter, Diane, is a teacher in Albany, NY and Steven is a Delta pilot based in Detroit. He majored in aviation in college and will retire in about 7 years. We have 3 gradchildren.
We send our sincere sympathy to you and your family. Nick and Martha Cotter
thank you Sis’ Sandy for the kind words
Betty. My Sincere Condolences.
To the Dunn Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time. We remember Mr Dunn / Pat well and as always being a welcoming and humorous man. From the days at the Kingwood Country Club to visiting him at his country home / ranch, there are many fond memories of him.
thank you Annette — your connection with my dad and your guidance to the family over last several months was much valued and appreciated — my dad truly enjoyed your visits — God Bless
Betty so very sorry your loss. I will keep your family are in my prayers.
Many happy memories of Betty and her sweet husband coming to Cafe M Bloomers for lunch, usually meeting friends. They were “favorite customers”!
My deepest sympathy at your loss of this wonderful man. I met him at a very young age and he had a big part in “molding” me into the woman I am today. I doubted he ever knew that. He taught me a lot……about work, about finances, about family, about life…….. sadly, he never taught me about golf. Actually, he would not have had the patience.
I have a lot of fond memories that I cherish, especially some beautiful Dunn weddings…in San Antonio and in New York! I will always remember being included as “part of the family”. My thoughts and prayers are with you and I wish I could give each one of you a big hug. These times we are in do not permit it, but I hope to be able to see you soon.
Lots of love….. Yolanda
so good to hear from you Yolanda — we hope all is well with you and family
your words are very touching and meaningful and bring back some good memories
thank you for that
please keep safe and God Bless
My deepest sympathy at the loss of this wonderful man. I met him at a very young age and he had a big part in “molding” me into the person I am today. I doubted he ever knew that. He taught me a lot……about work, about finances, about family, about life…….. sadly, he never taught me about golf. Actually, he would not have had the patience.
I have a lot of fond memories that I cherish, especially some beautiful Dunn weddings…in San Antonio and in New York! I will always remember being included as “part of the family”. My thoughts and prayers are with you and I wish I could give each one of you a big hug.
Lots of love….. Yolanda
~ Steve and Pamela Ramirez
Our deepest sympathies to you and your family. Wishing you peace and comfort.
thank you Barb and Joe for the kind words — much appreciated — you guys are such good friends
glad you had a chance to visit my folks at the ranch — they have commented how they enjoyed meeting you
keep safe and God Bless
Betty, Mark, John and Brian,
I am so very sorry to hear about Pat. My condolence to all of you. You will certainly be in my thoughts and prayers.
Betty, I understand just what you are feeling and going through during this sad and difficult time now. Your thoughts and memories of Pat are so vivid and I hope are a source of comfort to you. He was a wonderful person and is dearly remembered by so many of us. All my family cherish our friendship with you and your family.
So very happy to remember Pat enjoying his time with family and friends recently. If I can be of any help to any of you, please let me know.
I am sorry to hear of Pat’s passing.
He hired me at Shell right out of college and I really liked and respected him. He was a great manager and mentor for engineers, with a sense of humor as well! As I am sure you know, he and his group were industry leaders.
Please accept my condolences and may he rest in peace.
I am sorry to hear about the passing of your father. With deepest sympathy to you and your family.
Our very best wishes to Betty and the entire family in these trying times. We are so saddened to learn of Pat’s passing. Others have eloquently extolled Pat’s many technical and leadership virtues so I won’t repeat them again. Although I last worked in Pat’s group in 1974, I have no doubt his wise hand was the guiding force behind so many of my career assignments. I was so fortunate to have him as a mentor, advisor, counselor and friend through those many different assignments until he retired.We fondly remember the picnics in the early days in Metairie and New Orleans, the move to Houston, your Mom helping us buy and sell houses, the after work drinks at your house or ours, No one else combined the work and social aspects, including with family, like your Dad. He truly made a career at Shell so much more enjoyable and rewarding.
All our prayers,
Dan and Linda
Betty, we are so sorry for the loss of your wonderful husband.
I had the pleasure and honor of working with Pat Dunn as a member of the API Subcommittee 2 for offshore structures for many years. He was an inspiration for all of us and he helped us develop most of the Offshore Platform recommended practices in use in our industry. May he rest in peace.
thank you Demir for taking the time to share these words — i know my dad held you in highest regard and was appreciative of your contributions and friendship — please keep safe
Denise and I offer our condolences.
I was an “almost” employee of Pat. In 1977 I was finishing up college and had an interview in Pat’s section at Shell. At the end of the day, I interviewed with Pat and he offered me a job. As fate would have it, I instead took an offer from Exxon and spent my career there, but in exactly the same work area that Pat managed at Shell.
At Exxon, I heard a lot about Pat. My bosses highly respected him. They said Shell was the only real competitor we had technically. Pat was also very well recognized in industry for his contributions to API, particularly the API RP2A standard for offshore platforms. Pat was the leader of the committee that stewarded this document. At Shell, Pat and his team completed many world class projects.
As fate would have it much later on, Denise and I bought some property outside Navasota in 1998. I was looking at the plot map and noted my next door neighbor was F. P Dunn. I wasn’t sure, but later found out it was indeed Pat.
Again, as fate would have it in 2011, I ended up being chairman of the same API committee that Pat had chaired in the 1980s.
So, I always thought it interesting that although I didn’t take up the offer to work for him, I ended up being his next door neighbor and standing on the shoulder of an industry giant.
Again, we are very sorry to hear this news.
My sencere condolences on the passing of Uncle Pat. Words can not express how grateful I am to have Pat and your entire family extend such kindness to me when I first arrived in Texas for college. It was such a blessing to have been welcomed into your home and with family. Pat was so good to me and helped me in ways that impacted my entire life. In my humble opinion, he is the absolute best uncle ever! I am sorry for losing contact but I can honestly say that your entire family was often in my thoughts and prayers. Just as you all will be today and for the days to come.
God Bless, T.
so nice to hear from you Teresa
dad talked a lot about family over the last months and he reflected fondly on the time spent with you while you were in Houston
we’ll be sure to reach out when the time come to hold a memorial service — it’d be great to re-connect
in meantime, please keep safe and God Bless
Pat was also a great mentor and friend to me. I got to know Pat when I was in Shell’s research group that developed offshore engineering technology to support the design group’s needs. Pat was incredibly supportive and demanding of our research efforts. We developed a relationship in which he was effectively my boss as well as my mentor and friend. I learned many important and lasting life lessons from Pat. Some were tough, but all were valuable, and I am forever grateful for our relationship that benefited my life and career.
I was blessed that our contact lasted to near the end and will always remember and treasure his last words to me… “thanks, Skip”.
So long Pat. Your life was a life well lived. Thanks for the privilege of knowing you and our friendship. You will always be a fond memory. I wish you fair winds and a following sea.
My condolences to Betty and family.
Skip Ward
Mark,
Thank you so much. Please do reach out on details of a memorial service.
The photo time line is a beautiful tribute.
Blessings,
T.
Bill and I send our love and sympathy to you at this sad time. Pat was bigger than life and leaves many good memories for all of us.
Bill and Patty Petersen
It was my honor and pleasure to care for Pat in the last few months of his life. I will always remember his smile when I arrived, his quick wit, wanting a Smart Phone, setting up his Grandpad and how he enjoyed the pictures his family added, the video chats and his music. I often think of him on Sundays and remember his total focus on the mass when I would bring my IPad and watch 11:00 mass at St. Anthony’s. We would always have great discussions afterwards. I could go on and on because I have such great memories of our time together. Also I would love to mention how caring and loving his family were. All I had to do was make a suggestion to Mark about something that would make things better for his dad, such as the Grandpad and Mark made it happen. May Pat’s family find peace and comfort from Our Lord! ❤️
I’m so sorry to learn of Pat’s passing. I worked for him about 5 years, and he was one of the best bosses, with a heart of gold and a wonderful sense of humor. I’m glad he had many great years of retirement.
My condolences to all his family and
may he Rest In Peace.
Betty,
We are sorry to hear of Pat’s death. May his memory be a blessing for you and your family. Unfortunately my contact information for you is out of date. You may want to manage his memorial on Findagrave.com (# 213785356), as it is currently being managed by Findagrave. Jim and Sarah Christiansen (your third cousins on the Learned line)