Alphonso Cates Dunn was born in St. Louis on August 28, 1930. He shared this birth date with his daughter Regina Anita Dunn. He was one of five siblings, all whom preceded him in death, Clyde, William, Catherine and Mautice. His parents Lester Dunn and Dorothy (Cates) also preceded him in death.
Dunn attended Vashon High School and graduated in 1949 with honors. He graduated from Harris-Stowe State Teachers College with a BS in Mathematics and Education. He furthered his education by attending Lindenwood University where he obtained his master’s and served as an instructor. He furthered his studies at Saint Louis University and Washington University.
He professed a faith in Chris at a young age and was a member of Washington Tabernacle. He also served in the capacity of deacon at Holy Metropolitan Church. He married the former Louise Latisha Gray. They were married for 55 years.
Dunn worked for the Federal Government in the GSA office and for the St. Louis Public School system as a facilitator and instructor. He served as a director of special programs for education and was a director of Model City, a youth program that employed thousands of youth under his tenure. He was also assistant director of the Human Development Corporation.
Dunn purchased a beverage distributorship from his childhood employer; he called this business “Al’s Wedge Liquors and Beverages” located at Page and Kingshighway. He also turned a culinary hobby into a business “AD Catering Company.” His company’s clients included Wonderbread, AT&T, Frank Sinatra, Miss American Debbye Turner, Stevie Wonder, Danny Glover, a former president of the United States, archbishops and the president of Taiwan.