Michael Albert Dunham

Michael Albert Dunham, also known as "Mad Mike," 73, of Staunton, Virginia, passed away on February 27, 2025. He was preceded in death by his mother, Ruth Elizabeth Opperman; father, Albert Lester Dunham; and sisters, Angela Colleen Reaves and Colleen Marie Dunham. 

He is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Linda Marianne Dunham (née Novosel), and sons: Sam, Wade (Diana), Jeb (Kim), and Nathan. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Avery (Wade and Diana), Sofija, Emma, Sara, Jeb Jr., and Gabriel (Jeb and Kim). 

Mike played football and was a track star at the Florida School for the Deaf in St. Augustine, and at Gallaudet University, Washington D.C.  He was a member of the USA track team at the 1973 Deaf Olympics in Sweden. 

Known for always wearing camouflage and sometimes, a shirt that read, "Kill 'em all and let God sort 'em out," Mad Mike (aka “Rambo” to his co-workers) has now gone to be "sorted out." 

A history and military buff, he often said, "If I wasn't deaf, I would've joined the Army”.  But being deaf was part of what made him who he was. 

A hard worker throughout his life, Mike was the "deaf guy" that people would request because they knew he would and could deliver. An avid burner of leaves, trees, and sometimes, quite unintentionally, entire forests, it was his “proud American” work ethic that allowed him to clear six acres of land using only a chainsaw and fire, and to build his own log home in Staunton, Virginia, where he lived for the last 25 years. 

Despite his "Mad Mike/Rambo” persona, Mike wasn't always angry. Often, after a few beers and while watching an episode of The Simpsons, you'd find him smiling and laughing in the living room. He was a good father who liked to take his kids fishing, and a loving husband. He faced his cancer diagnosis with the calm acceptance of someone who had lived a full life. 

We take comfort in knowing that, in the next life, he’ll be smiling and laughing again. A proud American, he loved his country, his freedom, his guns, and most of all, his family. Though he is now gone, he will not be forgotten. 

Burial will be private in the Duck Run Natural Cemetery in Penn Laird, Virginia.

Memorial contributions, if desired, may be may be made to Civic Access, 435 Merchant Walk Ave, #300-507 Charlottesville, VA 22902.   

Coffman Funeral Home and Crematory, 230 Frontier Drive, Staunton is in charge of his arrangements.