Record #: R2019-15   
Type: Resolution Status: Adopted
Intro date: 1/23/2019 Current Controlling Legislative Body:
Final action: 1/23/2019
Title: Tribute to late Reverend Obie Tom Dunson
Sponsors: Beale, Anthony
Attachments: 1. R2019-15.pdf

Memorial Resolution for Obie Tom Dunson

 

 

WHEREAS, In his Infinite Wisdom, Almighty God has granted eternal peace to Reverend Obie Tom Dunson on December 26, 2018; and

WHEREAS, The City Council has been informed of his passing by the Honorable Alderman Beale, Alderman of the 9th Ward; and

WHEREAS, Born to loving parents, Thomas and Addie Davis Dunson on January 1, 1922 in Helena, Arkansas, Obie was the firstborn of five children. Obie Tom Dunson was affectionately known as "OT", "Big Brother", "Papa T" or "Pastor" by his family, friends, parishioners, and associates; and

WHEREAS, He knew the power of God, and at the age of 6 he asked his mother if he could join the church. At the Roundway Church he served as an usher and children's group captain, later taking on the responsibility of collecting the .25 cents per month for church dues; and

WHEREAS, In 1927 the family moved to Roundway, Mississippi looking for a better life. It was there, that OT received his formal education. He joined the United States Army, serving from 1941-1947 in the European Theater mostly in Nuremberg, Germany. His primary duty was to drive a diesel truck every day to deliver food to the Nuremberg Courthouse; and

WHEREAS, After an Honorable Discharge from the United States Army, OT moved to Chicago. He had a strong work ethic, believing a man should work to support himself and his family. Obie worked at various jobs before settling at the Foreman Knight Box Company where he continued until he retired; and

WHEREAS, Being a man of strong faith, OT joined Zion Temple Missionary Baptist Chicago. At Zion Temple, he served as an usher and a Deacon. In 1960 he heard the Call of God. He studied to prepare himself for God's work and his life's mission. OT went on to receive his religious training at Moody Bible Institute, and on February 16, 1963, he was ordained as a Minister of the Gospel by the Reverend F. D. Johnson; and

WHEREAS, Pastor OT Dunson viewed his coming to Pasadena M.B. Church as a new beginning, he decided to preface Pasadena M. B. Church with "New" and so the church became formally known as New Pasadena Missionary Baptist Church; and

WHEREAS, Pastor OT Dunson took his work for God seriously, he had a vision and a plan. In 1976, the church property at 11300 South Indiana was purchased for $56,000. IN August 1981, the mortgage burning celebration was held. Pastor OT continued his work at the church and became even more involved in his community. He was well known throughout the Roseland Community for encouraging and mentoring many young adults as an advocate for entrepreneurship. He developed New Pasadena Missionary Baptist Church as a warming center, food depository, and summer program site for youth; and

WHEREAS, Pastor OT met and married his adoring wife, the late Doris Dunson and became Papa T to her wonderful children. The Pastor was blessed to find love a second time in Sheila Kinermon and they married July 15, 1989. They worked together as a family and as a team in the New Pasadena Church, continually moving forward together in both the church and community; and

WHEREAS, Remarkably, Pastor OT Dunson, together with the help of his associates, provided guidance to his followers for over 49 years. He was always there to offer a helping hand and a spiritual path. He recruited educators to tutor for an after school program and promoted a healthy lifestyle by encouraging

 

' everyone to become physically fit. He also worked out regularly at a nearby gym, further encouraging a healthy lifestyle and promoting for the community business along with it; and

WHEREAS, He was a pillar of the community, and served his parishioners, his community, and anyone else to be in need of help with his unwavering compassion and kindness. When he was able to relax, he enjoyed time with his family listening to Rev. GE Patterson and watching WWE Wrestling and Wheel of Fortune, riding his bike and always continuing to study the word of God to stay current and knowledgeable. He became involved with the North Wood River Missionary Baptist District Association, with the Ministers' Alliance and with the National Missionary Baptist Convention of America; and

WHEREAS, Pastor OT Dunson was preceded in death by his parents, siblings Missouri Lacey, Arthur Dunson, and Anna Delores McDonald; his daughter, Donyvattia Kinermon, and his dear friends Rev. L.J. Cook, Dr. LeRoy Henry, Pastor JP White, and Pastor WN Daniels, and Rev. Louis Lumsey; and

WHEREAS, Pastor OT Dunson leaves to cherish his memory, his devoted wife Sheila Dunson,; his children Pauline Barnes, August (Ruthie) LaStrappe; Solomon Kinermon of San Diego; Deshon McDuffie, Willie Kinermon, Rita Dunson, and Anton Kinermon of Chicago; his sister Katie Brown; his sister-in-laws Princess Jordan, Roxanne (Charles) Tyler, and Tamar Boswell and brother-in-law Derrick Jordan; his grandchildren: Paula Joe, Jennifer, Doris, Jerome, Jermaine, Jerod, Lashawna. August III, Keianna, Takara, Donyvattia, Diamond Jujuan, Danielle, Patrick Jr.; his special sisters Executive Elder Saundra Deneer, Cynthia Neely, Lucille Russell, and Sylester Williams; his special brother Pastor Gerald Dew; his Godchildren James Miller III, Arlether Parham Dylester Palm, and Leona Deener, and a host of grandchildren great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and other family and friends; now , therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED, That we, the Mayor and Members of the City Council of Chicago, assembled this twenty-third day of January, 2019, do hereby extend our heartfelt condolences to the family of Pastor Obie Tom Dunson; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be prepared and presented to the family of Pastor Obie Tom Dunson as a sign of our honor, gratitude, and respect.

ANTHONY BEALE Alderman, 9th Ward