William H. Dunn, Sr., leader of JE Dunn Construction for over 70 years, dies at 102
The influence of JE Dunn Construction can be seen in brick, mortar and steel throughout Kansas City — from the construction of the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts and CPCK Stadium, to the expansion of the Kansas City Zoo, the National WWI Museum and Memorial and to even utilitarian structures like the parking garage at Kansas City International Airport.
On Sunday, William H. “Bill” Dunn, Sr. — whose leadership took his father Ernie Dunn’s residential contracting company, founded in 1924, and grew it into one of America’s largest general contractors — died at age 102.
“It’s impossible to fully capture the profound impact that Bill — affectionately known to most of us as Mr. Dunn — has had on JE Dunn and Kansas City throughout his remarkable 73-year career and 102 years of life,” the company posted Monday on its website.
“His legacy is one of unyielding integrity, heartfelt service, and a dedication to building not only structures but also relationships and communities. Mr. Dunn’s life, work, and character have shaped a company and a city that stand as living testaments to his influence.”
Roots of JE Dunn
Dunn was born on July 20, 1923, shortly before his father John Ernest Dunn, began his business in downtown Kansas City in 1924. Dunn, the company said, began working alongside his father during the summers in the 1940s.
JE Dunn Construction, with 26 offices across 17 states, employees approximately 5,000 people, a number that fluctuates depending on ongoing projects.
The company tribute, nonetheless, noted that “money and material things never motivated him.”
“His philosophy was simple yet profound,” it said. “ ‘It’s important to leave the world in better shape than when you came into it.’ This wasn’t just something he said — it was something he lived every day. . . . Mr. Dunn was a true believer in the power of giving back. . . He once said, ‘It’s a lot more fun giving money away than making money.’”
The Dunn family
In 1981, the Dunns founded The Dunn Family Foundation, which has supported initiatives in education, healthcare, social services, poverty alleviation and civic development.
According to the foundation, about 10% of JE Dunn’s net income, more than $12 million a year, is donated nonprofits across the county. In 2020, the company launched a 1:1 employee match program for employees to support their favorite causes.
Family mattered to Dunn. His company biography notes that he met his wife, Jean Aylward, during a piano class in the early 1930s. The daughter of his parents’ friends, Jean initially thought Dunn “is too smart for his own good,” the biography said.
World War II service
In 1943, Dunn entered World War II and active service as a naval pilot, before graduating from Rockhurst College in 1946.
He and Jean married in February 1947 and would have six children. Sons Bill Jr and Terry were born in 1948 and 1949, respectively. Sons Steve, Kevin and Bob were born in 1952, 1958 and 1960. Daughter Mary was born in 1967.
Dunn’s father, John Ernest Dunn, died in 1964. In 1974, Dunn took full ownership of the company after purchasing shared of the company from Ernest Jr.
Dunn’s second-oldest son, Terry Dunn, was named CEO in 1989. In 2013, Gordon Lansford became the first non-Dunn family member to become president and CEO and remains in that position. Dunn’s grandson, Tim Dunn, serves as chairman of the board and chief investment officer.
“To say Mr. Dunn was a man of heart would be an understatement,” the company tribute said of Dunn. “His heart was vast, and it touched everyone he encountered. The world is better for his having lived in it.”
