Joe R. Dunmire

Joe R. Dunmire (July 12, 1902 – September 12, 1977) was an American educator, recreation administrator, and politician from South Dakota. He taught and coached for many years at Lead High School and later served as recreation director for the Homestake Mining Company. In politics, he was elected to the South Dakota House of Representatives in 1952, became House Republican floor leader and chaired the House State Affairs Committee, and was elected to the South Dakota Senate in 1968. Early life and education Joe R. Dunmire was born on July 12, 1902, in Clark County, Idaho. His father, George Dunmire, was a long-time member of the local school board, and his grandfather served as a county commissioner. When he was two, his family moved to Scotland, South Dakota, where he grew up. He graduated from high school in 1918 and from Yankton College in 1922. In 1948 he became recreation director for the Homestake Mining Company, where he oversaw community recreational facilities and athletic leagues; he also participated in civic organizations such as Kiwanis and the local chamber of commerce.

Legislative career House of Representatives Dunmire said he had not originally planned a political career, but agreed to run for the state legislature in 1952 after friends urged him to do so. The seat was open due to the retirement of Alfred D. Roesler of Deadwood. In the Republican primary he defeated Glen D. Spiers, and he later defeated the Democratic nominee in the general election. In 1972 Dunmire announced his retirement, and state representative James B. Dunn entered the race for the seat he was vacating.

Personal life and death Dunmire was married and had two daughters and nine grandchildren. He was a member of First Presbyterian Church and belonged to Kiwanis and several Masonic and Shrine organizations, including Golden Star Lodge No. 9, Dakota Chapter 3 R.A.M., Dakota Commandery No. 1, and the Naja Shrine Temple.

Dunmire died on September 12, 1977, at St. Joseph's Nursing Home in Deadwood, South Dakota. Funeral services were scheduled for 10 a.m. Thursday at First Presbyterian Church in Lead, with burial in the Masonic section of West Lead Cemetery; arrangements were handled by Fidler Funeral Chapel.