Jonathan Ray Dunbar, a cherished husband, father, son, grandson, brother, and friend, passed away on June 23, 2025.
Jonathan was born on August 25, 1988, to loving parents Charles Ray and Robin Cravens Dunbar of Fredonia. Jonathan’s early life on the family farm shaped him into the hardworking and passionate man he would become. He attended Caldwell County High School, graduating with the class of 2007. After high school, Jonathan dedicated his life to the family’s pride, Dunbar Farms of Fredonia, continuing the tradition of farming that he revered so much. As a self-employed farmer, his passion for the land was evident in the meticulous care he brought to every aspect of his work.
Warm and gregarious, Jonathan was a man of the outdoors. Whether it was farming, gardening, duck hunting, riding dirt bikes, or simply cruising around in the Ranger, he found peace and happiness in the simplicity of nature. But what he loved most was sharing these experiences with his children. Every ride, every moment shared, was an opportunity for Jonathan to teach and bond with his kids-the joy of his life.
His infectious laughter could light up a room, and his readiness to playfully aggravate friends and family was done with such heart that it only drew people closer to him. Jonathan was a member of the Mexico Baptist Church.
He leaves behind a constellation of loved ones: his wife, Kelsey; children Jaxie Dunbar, Mack Dunbar, and Deason Morris; his parents, Charles Ray and Robin Cravens Dunbar of Fredonia; sister Kristen and her husband Chase Howton of Princeton; paternal grandfather, David Dunbar of Fredonia; father-in-law Shawn Mason and wife Debbie of Princeton; mother-in-law Melissa Gatten and her husband Jeremy of Marion; step-sister-in-law’s Leah Patton and husband Jason of Clarksville and Laura Stovall of Princeton, and a close-knit family of aunts, uncles, and cousins who will all miss him immensely.
Jonathan is preceded in death by his paternal grandmother, Betty Sue Dunbar; maternal grandparents, John and Linda Cravens; uncle, Adam Cravens; cousin, Ilissa Beavers; grandparent-in-laws, Judy and Tommy Franklin, and Glendal and Elizabeth Lynch.
Memorial contributions may be made to Jonathan Dunbar’s Children’s Fund at Fredonia Valley Bank: 602 Cassidy Ave, Fredonia, KY 42411
Visitation for Jonathan Ray Dunbar will be held on Thursday, June 26, 2025, from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Morgan’s Funeral Home and from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM on Friday, June 27, 2025.
Funeral services will follow on Friday, June 27, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Morgan’s Funeral Home with Bro. Jeff Boone and Bro. James Penn officiating. Burial will follow in Fredonia Cemetery.
Morgan’s Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
