“The Man, The Myth, The Legend”

Vance Edwin Dunlap — Daddy, Pop Pop, The Man, The Myth, The Legend — was born May 10, 1951, and passed away on May 9, 2026, just one day shy of his 75th birthday. Far too soon for the many people who loved him.

He leaves behind the love of his life and wife of 49 years, Barbie Dunlap; his children, Regina Lett, Vanessa Dunlap, and Shane Dunlap (Shelly Dunlap); many grandchildren, a few great-grandchildren, and more friends than anyone could ever count.

How do you summarize a man like Daddy in just a few words? He was a proud retired Master Sergeant in the United States Marine Corps and carried that pride with him every day of his life. He had that drill sergeant voice that could make anybody listen — even kids on field trips when he started calling cadence. Once you heard it, you straightened up without even thinking.

But beyond the strength and gruff exterior was a man who loved deeply and completely. Everything he did was for his family and especially for Mom. Their marriage had its ups and downs like any real love story, but through every season they remained best friends, always finding their way back to laughter, music, and each other. He loved that woman until his very last breath.

There was always music playing wherever Daddy was. Music in the house. Dancing in the kitchen. Deep belly laughs around the table. And food — lots of food. That man could cook, and nothing made him happier than feeding the people he loved.

The stories are endless. And that’s exactly how it should be. Because legends never really leave us. We keep them alive every time we tell their stories, laugh the way they laughed, dance in the kitchen, look after family, and love each other loudly.

Daddy was the man, the myth, the legend. And he always will be.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the family at