SMETHPORT — Wilbur V. Dunkle, 89, of Smethport passed away Tuesday (July 22, 2025) at Bradford Ecumenical Home.

He was born Nov. 20, 1935, in Betula, a son of Arthur R. and Beatrice F. Church Dunkle. On Dec. 18, 1957, in Brooklyn, N.Y., he married Helen R. Bevers, who died Oct. 13, 2006.

Wilbur served in the U.S. Navy from October 1954 to October 1958 during the Korean War.

Mr. Dunkle worked outside for many years in both the logging industry and construction and, lastly, in the oil fields as an equipment operator, employed by Quaker State of Bradford.

Wilbur loved the outdoors. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. He was a member of the Eldred Legion for many years.

He is survived by three sons, Kevin (Rhonda) Dunkle of Zion, Ill., Brian (Tina) Dunkle of Derrick City and Eric (Tina) Dunkle of Port Allegany; one daughter, Brenda (Allister Sinclair) Gonsowski of Ontario, Canada; grandchildren, Kevin Jr., April, Abigail, Christopher, Morgan, Devon, Jake and Luke; seven great-grandchildren; one sister, Minnie Herzog of Port Allegany; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents and wife, Wilbur was preceded in death by four brothers, Arlie, Keith, Kenny and Dale Dunkle; and three sisters, Vesta Smith, Violet Kelly and Ruby M. Burt.

Visitation will be held 10 a.m. to noon Friday (July 25, 2025) at Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes Inc., 2 Bank St., where funeral services will follow with the Rev. Max Simms, pastor of Hilltop Baptist Church, officiating. Military honors will be accorded by the American Legion Bucktail Post 138 of Smethport Honor Guard. Burial will be in Clermont Cemetery.

Memorials, if desired, may be made to Smethport Senior Center or Hamlin Memorial Library, Smethport.

Arrangements are under direction of Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes Inc. Online condolences may be made at hartle-tarboxfuneralhomes.com.