Edward M Dunkel III "Ned", passed away on Thursday, January 1, 2026, at his home with family. He was born in Altoona, a son of the late Edward M. and LaRue (Weaver) Dunkel Jr. On September 9, 1967, in Winchester, VA, he married Mary Ann (McCoy) Dunkel who survives. Also surviving are two daughters: Becky Lea (Ronald Lee) Hess and Carol Jean (Warren Jr.) Mowery; five grandchildren; Maura Elisabeth Brown, Ethan Moore Hess, Asa McCoy Hess, Joel Rei Hess, and Quinn Edward Mowery; four sisters: Barbara Jean Friday, Donna Kay Walker, Linda Sue Yaudes, and Karen Marie Harpster; and two brothers: James Ronald and Timothy Lee Dunkel. He was preceded in death by sisters: N. Jane Harris and Dorothy Mae Barninger; and his step-mother: Betty Dunkel.

He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He was a member of Grace Baptist Church of Tyrone. He loved farming, gardening, blue grass music, and time with his family. He did not know a stranger and couldn't go anywhere without seeing and talking with friends.

Throughout his life he was a faithful, dependable, and loved employee and made many friends at Ray Burial Vault, Pepsi Co, PPG, Westvaco, and Kunzler, from which he retired.

He served in the Army National Guard of Pennsylvania in 1965 and was recognized as an expert marksman and was honorably discharged in 1971.

He was not a college graduate but he was a self taught master of all trades. He led by example and encouraged his girls to pursue college degrees incorporating the many life skills he taught them.

He was a man that lived his beliefs, was kind, honest, true, and a follower of Jesus.

The family would like to profoundly thank Dr. Greg Sweeny, his primary care physician, and Cooleen Smith NP at Cardiology Associates of Altoona for their most outstanding care of him through this lengthy illness.

An 11 am Celebration of Life Service with military honors will be held on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at Grace Baptist Church Tyrone with Pastor Dan Woodring officiating. Services will be streamed on the church's facebook page as well. A private interment will be made at the Bald Eagle Cemetery. Donations in his honor may be made to centralpahumane.org or paffa.org.

Arrangements are under the care of Richard H. Searer Funeral Home, Inc.