Edison Dunlap

Edison Dunlap, 89, of Franklin, died peacefully at 12:45 a.m. on Friday, April 7th at his residence surrounded by his loving family. He was the last surviving member of his immediate family.Born January 22, 1928 in Franklin, Edison was the son of Wilbur and Ida Belle Greggs Dunlap. He married the former Vivian I. Bower on November 5, 1956 and she preceded him in death on August 25, 2012.Edison was a United States Army Veteran having served from March 29, 1946 to September 14, 1947. While in the Army, he served as a mail clerk with Company D, 3186th Signal Service Battalion in Kobe, Japan. He received a World War II Victory Medal as well as an Army of Occupation Medal in Japan.In the late 1940's and 1950's, Mr. Dunlap was one of the first persons to be involved in the Air Mail service for Venango County. He was instrumental in setting up the Air Mail from Franklin to Pittsburgh in a field on Pone Lane. Edison was also a Mail Carrier in Franklin, a Deputy Game Warden, and worked for the Highway Department running a grader, before building and opening his own business - Dunlap's Greenhouse - which he operated for nearly fifty years.Mr. Dunlap was known for his "green thumb", and prided himself in his greenhouse business, growing beautiful plants, flowers and vegetables for many to enjoy. He also enjoyed landscaping, the Curb Market, as well as planting and maintaining cemetery lots and local businesses. Edison and his wife loved serving the public and met many wonderful people over the years together. He loved talking to people about the history of Bully Hill and had many stories to tell.Edison is survived by his daughter, Doreen Morrow and her husband, Jack, of Franklin; and his granddaughter, Nicole Tamasy and her husband, Matthew, of Pittsburgh.In addition to his parents and wife, he is preceded in death by his three brothers, Frances Dunlap, Clarence Dunlap and Kenneth Dunlap; his sister, Lucille Armstrong; his grandson, Matthew Keely; his infant son; his daughter, Linda Yard; and his son-in-law, Robert Yard.Family and friends of Mr. Dunlap will be received at the Gardinier Funeral Home, Inc., 1315 Chestnut Street, Franklin on Sunday, April 9th from 2 to 4 p.m. Funeral Services will be held at the Funeral Home in Monday, April 10th at 11 a.m. with Rev. Janz, pastor of Christ United Methodist Church, officiating. Interment will be at Graham Cemetery where military honors will be accorded by the V.E.T.S. Honor Guard.The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to the Kirtland Cancer Foundation - PO Box 108, Franklin PA 16323.To send flowers, cards, or online condolences, family and friends are invited to visit www.gardinierfuneralhome.com.