Thomas B. Dunn, age 69, of Naples, FL, died Tuesday April 24, 2012 at the Avow Hospice House in Naples. He was born January 22, 1943 in Washington, PA, a son of the late James Lincoln and Lucille Babbitt Dunn. On July 11, 1964 he married Carol Jean Campbell who survives. Also surviving are two daughters, Tracy Cunningham and husband Mark and Jennifer Fluke and husband Eric all of Buckhannon; two granddaughters, Carson Cunningham and Caroline Fluke both of Buckhannon; two grandsons, Grant Cunningham and Bryson Fluke both of Buckhannon; his precious Bichon, Lilly; one brother, Joseph L. Dunn of Washington, PA; one sister, Ann Bridges and husband Cliff of Greensboro, NC and several nieces and nephews. He was an exceptional leader and mentor to many in the community and oil & gas industry. Most of all, he was a wonderful and loving husband, father and grandfather who cherished his family more than anything. He was respected and loved by many. Mr. Dunn graduated from Trinity High School, Washington, PA, Class of 1960 and West Virginia Wesleyan College with B.A. Degree, Class of 1964. He was the Third generation in the oil and gas business. In his early years he worked in the field for Union Drilling, Inc., a Drilling Contractor and Producer in the Appalachian Basin. After graduation from WVWC, he worked full-time at Union Drilling, Inc. in Buckhannon, as Lease and Right-of-way Agent, eventually working into the supervision of well completion. He became President of Union Drilling, Inc. in 1972, and held the Position until 1987; founded D-aspen, Inc. in 1986 and served as President from 1986-1996; founded Tuscany Gas, LLC in 1996 serves as member; co-founded Phoenix Diversified Ventures, Inc. in 1987 and served as President; co-founded Phoenix Energy Sales Company in 1995 and served as president; co-founded T & F Operating, Inc. in 1998 and serves as President; co-founded T & F Exploration, LP in 1998 and served as Limited Partner. He presently holds membership in: Independent Oil & Gas Association of WV (IOGA WV), Pennsylvania Independent Oil & Gas Association (PIOGA), Independent Petroleum Association of America (IPAA), Ohio Oil & Gas Association (OOGA), West Virginia Oil & Natural Gas Association (WVONGA), Society of Petroleum Engineers, Inc. He served IOGA WV as Past President, as a member of the Board of Directors and a member of various committees. He served IPAA as Regional Governor, Director, Area Vice President, member of Executive Committee, and member of the Board of Governors, Roustabout Club Charter member. Served WVONGA as Past President, currently a member of the Board of Directors. Former Vice President of Virginia Oil & Gas Association; former member of New York State Oil Producers Association, Inc.; actively participated in other states’ associations. Served Appalachian Energy Group (AEG) as President for several Terms. Member of Board of Directors of St. Joseph’s Hospital Foundation. Former Member of the Board of Trustees of West Virginia Wesleyan College. Founding member of Naples National Golf Club and The Old Collier Golf Club both in Naples, FL. Involved in Buckhannon/upshur County, WV civic organizations, including one of the five who arranged initial broad community funding for the current Upshur County Development Authority. Former member of the West Virginia National Guard. Member of Kappa Alpha Order Fraternity, Instrumental in the Buckhannon Parks & Recreational Complex. Recognition of service to the Industry by Oil & Gas Associations and service to the Community. West Virginia Oil & Gas Man of the Year, 1982. West Virginia Wesleyan College Alumni Award, 1982. Buckhannon Business & Professional Women’s Club Outstanding Employer of the Year, 1985. One of the two initial recipients of IOGA WV Distinguished Service “Gunslinger” Award, 1992. Greeted President George W. Bush upon his arrival at Morgantown Municipal Airport, Morgantown, WV, July 4, 2005. Friends will be received Saturday, April 28, 2012 from 2-8 PM at the Wesley Chapel, West Virginia Wesleyan College. Funeral services will be held 1 PM Sunday at the Chapel with the Rev. Dr. Joseph Shreve officiating. Burial will follow in the Heavner Cemetery in Buckhannon. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the WVWC 59 College Ave., Buckhannon, WV 26201 or St. Joseph’s Hospital Foundation, 1 Amalia Dr. Buckhannon, WV 26201 in memory of Thomas B. Dunn. Poling-st. Clair Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
