NBAA Marks the Passing of Former Chairman E.E. Dunsworth

Nov. 18, 2013

NBAA marks the passing of former chairman E.E. “Dunny” Dunsworth, who served on the Association’s Board of Directors from 1964 to 1973, and as board chairman from 1969 to 1971. Dunsworth passed away on Nov. 8 at age 88.

Born on Aug. 4, 1925 in Jet, OK, Dunsworth served during World War II as a U.S. Marine Corps pilot in the South Pacific before organizing the Trunkline Gas Company flight department in 1950. Thirty-five years later he retired as head of the department, having amassed approximately 13,000 flight hours.

In addition to serving in NBAA leadership positions from 1960-1978, Dunsworth helped found the Houston Aviation Association and in 2004, was presented with NBAA’s Silk Scarf Award for his lifelong contribution to business aviation. He also was a member of Quiet Birdmen, the U.S. Marine Corps Enlisted Pilots Association, Silver Eagles, Marine Corps Aviation Association and Veterans of Foreign Wars.

NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen noted that Dunsworth was a leading figure in business aviation and someone who helped make NBAA the organization it is today.

“I consider myself extraordinarily fortunate to have known Dunny and to have the opportunity to lead the organization he did so much to build,” Bolen said. “All of us at NBAA are dedicated to the standard of excellence that Dunny established for our association.”

John H. Winant, NBAA’s late president who worked closely with Dunsworth during his tenure at NBAA, said in his 1989 book titled Keep Business Flying, “[Dunsworth] was arguably NBAA’s hardest working chief executive, devoting enormous amounts of time and energy to his duties.”

Dunsworth is survived by two daughters, four grandchildren, a brother and a sister. Funeral services were held on Nov. 15 at Forest Park Lawndale Funeral Home in Houston. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, or a cancer research facility of one’s choice.