Civic leader Priscilla Dunnum passes away

DOWNEY – Priscilla Ann McKinney Dunnum, a longtime resident and attorney in Downey, passed away in her home March 22. She was born Dec. 13, 1921 and grew up in Basin, Wyo. with her father and mother, Thomas and Constance McKinney, and brother, Billy Van McKinney.

She moved to California to complete her legal education at USC and Loyola Law School. After graduation from Loyola, she was admitted to practice law in January 1948.

Priscilla moved to Downey in 1954 with her husband, Carroll M. Dunnum, and her three children. She opened the law firm of Dunnum and Dunnum, and continued to practice law for more than 50 years.

Priscilla was instrumental in Downey’s incorporation. She was the city’s first female council member and the first mayor pro tem. She chaired the committee for revision of Downey’s city charter and spearheaded the planning and building of the Downey Civic Theatre.

She was also instrumental in planning the “new” Downey Community Hospital.

She was a member of numerous charitable, philanthropic and community organizations and held positions on their boards. She taught estate planning and trusts at Downey Adult School and was also a teacher at Christ Lutheran Church.

She is survived by her daughters, Carolyn Dunnum Sloan and Ann Priscilla Howe; son, Monte Tom Dunnum; grandson, Thomas Carroll Sloan; son-in-law, Ralph Howe; and nephews, Jeff Dunnum and Mark McKinney.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggested donations to Lewisia #16 OES, P.O. Box 349, Basin, Wyoming, 82410.

A memorial service is scheduled April 5 at Miller-Mies Mortuary in Downey at 3 p.m. Interment will be at Mount View Cemetary in Basin, Wyo.

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Published: March 27, 2014 - Volume 12 - Issue 50