Dunn provides ministry through music
Staff reporter
Traveling from Las Cruces, N.M., Max Dunn entertained senior citizens Tuesday at Marion Senior Center.
With friend Bob Delk of rural Peabody, providing the guitar accompaniment and Dunn on the keyboard and providing vocals, the two performed crowd favorites such as "You Are My Sunshine," "San Antonio Rose," and "Please Release Me."
With wit and humor, Dunn has entertained senior citizens across the Midwest for the past 21 years.
Recently recognized for performing 277 shows in 2003, Dunn also gained popularity as a member of the "Good 'Ole Boys" barbershop quartet. He is the last surviving member of the group.
Dunn has toured throughout eastern Kansas, Missouri, Texas, New Mexico, and California.
After Marion, Dunn is scheduled to perform in Sedgwick, Hutchinson, Ottawa, Lawrence, Burlington, Eureka, and Leroy.
A natural musician, Dunn said he got a calling from God to do more for the elderly through his musical talents.
"God spoke to me 21 years ago while Christmas caroling in Emporia," Dunn said. "The only time we entertain the elderly is at Christmas time. What about the other 11 months out of the year?"
Dunn asked for suggestions of ways to reach and entertain the elderly. The director of the facility he was caroling, suggested a sing-along which Dunn has done now for the past 20-plus years.
A Marion native, Dunn grew up on a farm south of Marion County Park and Lake. He graduated from Marion High School in 1945.
Dunn and Delk have performed together for 50 years. Whenever Dunn comes to Marion County, Delk is usually at his side accompanying him.
"I am the highest paid entertainer around," Dunn said. "I walk in to a facility and see people with frowns — staring off into space. Seeing their faces light up and tapping their toes are the greatest rewards."
Since his Emporia days, Dunn has re-met and married his high school sweetheart, Betty Tiemeier, and moved to Las Cruces to be with her.
Betty typically accompanies Dunn but was unable to this time due to an illness.
"I'm the most proud of what Betty does," Dunn said. "She is a volunteer to help the blind."
Betty records text books on audio tape for blind students.
Dunn will perform today at St. Luke Living Center before packing it up and moving on to the next stop, doing what he loves to do.
