Steven Douglas Dunnings unexpectedly passed away on Thursday, November 2, 2023, after a pleasant conversation with his nurse ordering breakfast and making plans to go home.

Steve was an introverted, brilliant man, an avid reader who loved history, political science and was extremely knowledgeable about current events. He was determined to live life on his own terms and as himself.

Born November 28, 1955, to Stuart Dunnings, Jr. and Janet Taylor, the second of four children. Steve's life was rooted in his family and the law. He spent his professional career as an attorney after graduating from Howard Law School.

His early education began at Westtown Quaker Boarding School (class of 1973), where he later served as a proctor for other boarders his senior year. He loved those years at Westtown and returned multiple times to connect with classmates and spend time on the grounds of the school (with a special fondness for Back Campus).

He then proceeded to Earlham College where he met his future wife, Michelle Napier. The two started dating in October 1976 and later married in 1987. Their life together spanned 47 years.

Steve loved his family more than anything. He enjoyed cooking, especially his traditional, Christmas Eve gumbo.

He is survived by: his wife, Michelle Napier-Dunnings; two children, Thaddeus Napier-Dunnings and Sarah Dunnings-Smith (wife Mia Smith); his precious grandchild, Eden Silva Smith; three siblings, Stuart Dunnings III, Susan Dunnings, Shauna Dunnings Chavis; as well as extended family and lifelong friends. As Steve would say, "once a friend, always a friend."

Steve will be dearly missed, especially by those who knew his true self and his heart. "May the Lord watch over thee and me while we are apart."

If you are so inclined, make donations to the National Kidney Foundation of Michigan or Westtown School.

Arrangements for Mr. Dunnings are as follows: