| | Richard B. Dunham 
WINTER HAVEN -- Mr. Richard B. Dunham of Winter Haven drilled wells for a living, meticulously logging every hole he dug during his 56 years of work.
Mr. Dunham died of cancer Friday (Aug. 4, 2006). He was 85.
Born Aug. 1, 1921, in Manchester, Iowa, Mr. Dunham moved to this area at an early age. After leaving the Navy in 1947, he began working as a plumber, slowly acquiring the tools to drill wells.
"He started with just one machine," his son George W. Dunham of Winter Haven said. He slowly built his company by investing in bigger machines that could handle bigger jobs. "In his heyday he was probably drilling two or three hundred a year."
With each job came a detailed entry in his well log, a mammoth catalog listing every well's location and depth.
"Each entry had a unique description of their work," his son said. Mr. Dunham began drilling in the 1950s, when large parts of Polk County had yet to be developed. If there were no roads or addresses available, he'd use other landmarks to locate a well.
"Some of the (entries) read, `This well is behind the red barn next to the big oak tree.' "
About 20 years ago George Dunham began buying the business from his father piecemeal.
"We bought it in parts so he could ease out of the business," his son said. "He was still a part of the business after he sold it."
After retiring, Mr. Dunham enjoyed traveling in his house boat and mobile home. He also began wood carving, winning several awards for his talent.
"In his later years, instead of playing golf that's what he did," his son said. "He made furniture, quilt racks. It was an ability I never knew he had."
Mr. Dunham was a member of the Winnebago-Buccaneers Club and Ridge Wood Carvers. He served as president of the Florida Water Well Association. He attended First Presbyterian Church.
Mr. Dunham was preceded in death by his wife, Lou Ella Dunham. He is survived by his sons, George W. Dunham, Dr. Steven R. Dunham and Ronald B. Dunham, all of Winter Haven; and eight grandchildren.
Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at Oak Ridge Funeral Care, Winter Haven. Services will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.
Memorials may be made to the Choir Fund at First Presbyterian Church, 637 Sixth St. N.W., Winter Haven, FL 33881.
By Matthew Pleasant
The Ledger
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