Leigh Hix Dunning
November 4, 1960 – May 20, 2023
Modesto, California – Leigh Hix Dunning, 62, passed away on May 20, 2023 in Modesto, California. He was born in San Francisco, California and grew up proud there.
Affectionately known by his favorite nicknames “Dad” and “Grandpa” by his loved ones, Leigh was a creative and talented man who had many hobbies. He was a skilled metalworker and graduated first in his class from the School of Hard Knocks. Leigh loved tinkering and creating beautiful objects of all kinds for the people he loved. He also enjoyed helping the family with personal projects such as reinventing homes, landscaping, and plumbing. He loved watching his San Francisco 49ers and Giants play, collecting Hot Wheels, model cars and coins, gazing at the stars and sky for UFOs and had a passion for Batman and collecting Batmobiles from all eras. However, his favorite pastime was texting his three daughters encouraging, loving, and hilariously on their ongoing chat thread, “Dad + Daughter Squad.” He put smiles on their faces and love in their hearts every day.
Before Leigh died his precious daughter Erica Dunning, mother Gloria Salome Sanchez Dunning and sister Laura Sanchez. He was an admiring, devoted, and proud father to his daughters Elizabeth Dunning Hernandez, Pilar Yoho, and JuliAnna Dunning-Ceja. He is survived by his former wife and mother of his children, Helen Machado. He will be greatly missed by his grandchildren Christian Dunning-Ceja, Alexander Ceja, Scarlett Ceja, EliAnna Yoho and Kaleb Yoho. Leigh was a devoted brother to Robert Dunning, William Dunning, Michael Dunning, Manual Sanchez, Sammy Sanchez, Leo Sanchez and Sandra Sanchez. He also leaves numerous nephews, nieces and friends who love him dearly; along with his cherished feline companion, Patches.
Leigh will be remembered as a kind, loving and hilarious man who brought joy and laughter to all who knew him. No one was safe from his father’s jokes or his playful banter, and rumor has it that Saint Peter greeted him with a cold pint and a large plate of Parmesan cheese topped with spaghetti.
Leigh’s funeral will be held on Wednesday, May 31, 2023 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Franklin & Downs McHenry Chapel, 1050 McHenry Avenue, Modesto, CA 95350.
Posted by Modesto Bee on May 28, 2023.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315ATo plant trees to commemorate, please visit the Sympathy Store.
