Smethport - Wilbur V. Dunkle, 89, of Smethport, passed away Tuesday (July 22, 2025) at the Bradford Ecumenical Home.

He was born November 20, 1935 in Betula, PA, the son of Arthur R. and Beatrice F. (Church) Dunkle. On December 18, 1957, in Brooklyn, NY, he married Helen  R. Bevers, who died October 13, 2006.

Wilbur served in the US Navy from October 1954 to October 1958 during Korea.

Mr. Dunkle worked outside for many years in both the logging industry, construction and lastly, in the oil fields as an equipment operator, employed by Quaker State of Bradford, PA.

Wilbur loved the outdoors. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. He was a member of the Eldred Legion for many years.

He is survived by:

three sons:  Kevin (Rhonda) Dunkle of Zion, IL, Brian (Tina) Dunkle of Derrick City, and Eric (Tina) Dunkle of Port Allegany

one daughter: Brenda (Allister Sinclair) Gonsowski  Ontario, Canada

grandchildren: Kevin, Jr., April, Abigail, Christopher, Morgan, Devon, Jake and Luke

seven great grandchildren

one sister: Minnie Herzog of Port Allegany

and many nieces and nephews

In addition to his parents and wife, Wilbur was preceded in death by four brothers Arlie, Keith, Kenny and Dale Dunkle and three sisters Vesta Smith, Violet Kelly and Ruby M. Burt.

Visitation will be held on Friday, July 25, 2025, from 10AM to noon at Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., 2 Bank St., Smethport, where funeral services will begin at noon from the funeral home with the Rev. Max Simms, pastor of the Hilltop Baptist Church, officiating. Military Honors will be accorded by the American Legion; Bucktail Post #138 of Smethport Honor Guard. Burial will be in Clermont Cemetery.

Memorials, if desired, may be made to the Smethport Senior Center or Hamlin Memorial Library, Smethport. Online condolences may be made at www.hartle-tarboxfuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., Smethport.

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