Levi Joseph Dunn

Levi Joseph Dunn, age 16, of Oakwood, Ohio passed away on Saturday November 11, 2023 at Dayton Children's Hospital after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Levi’s parents were thrilled to welcome him to the world on June 26, 2007. He was the first of what would eventually be four children. Even though he was actually born in Corvallis, Oregon, he claimed to be born in Arkansas. Why? Because according to Levi, Arkansas is the “greatest state in the country”. Since it is an awesome state, Levi had no trouble talking about Arkansas with anyone who would listen. He would consider himself extremely fortunate to have lived there prior to moving to Oakwood, Ohio. Levi loved living in Arkansas as he enjoyed running and playing with his friends there without limitations. He was a sophomore at Oakwood High School. Recently, he enjoyed attending Homecoming with his friends. Levi was incredibly handsome in his blue suit and yellow rose boutonniere. He loved playing nerf wars with his friends and jumping at the trampoline park. Like other kids his age, Levi was eager to learn to drive a car. With his dad seated beside him intently teaching the rules of the road, Levi would toy with him by purposefully pumping the bakes. It would be unnoticeable at first; however, he would increase the frequency of the pumping until it would become excessive with Levi playfully waiting to see how long it would take his dad to notice. Always a prankster, Levi enjoyed messing with people, especially those he loved most. He took great joy in trying to convince his little brother that he was his pet. The way he talked about him being his pet, you would almost believe him. Levi would work hard to get under his parents’ skin by purposefully using bad grammar. He found it enjoyable to tutor his younger siblings in the utilization of improper grammar. It was important, as their teacher, to make sure his parents would endure listening to his siblings share their mastery in many grammatical errors. Much to his parents’ dismay, it was as if Levi had mouthed the words with their voices and they did it so well. Throughout his illness, his sense of humor never dimmed. When Levi was unable to be up and about, he would tease people by asking them to bring him an item. He would wait until they were leaving the room and then, request the item be put back. For more fun, he would ask for the same item just when they were leaving the room again. For Levi, this cycle would be rinse and repeat until his victim realized their gullibility and he had succeeded in pulling them into his web of fun, yet again. Lightening things up at the hospital didn’t look different from being at home. Levi was known for playing pranks on his caregivers. An unsuspecting nurse might find a fake spider in the medicine drawer or when called close to inspect his IV, a nurse might fall victim to facing a squirt gun that had been strategically hidden under his blanket. He spent more time entertaining the staff with stories about his beloved Arkansas. Honestly, hist stories could be a little frightening sometimes, but people got a kick out of hearing these embellished tales. But rest assured, Levi left his mark on the staff who cared for him. They will remember him for his jokes and pranks, but most importantly because he was extremely sweet and caring. Levi was never pretentious. He didn’t spend his time trying to be cool or be like someone else. He was the real deal; he was happy with himself and others and found no reason for anybody to change who they are. If someone didn’t like his opinion, he frankly didn’t spend time worrying about it. He focused his worries on what mattered. One thing that mattered to him was being involved in his treatment. He bravely faced life-changing surgeries, fully aware that he could refuse them. He was well-known to ask endless questions. Levi was a critical thinker and held others to a high standard. He didn’t let things slide by him. Throughout his countless treatments and surgeries, he compelled people to explain every step to him to ensure he got the best treatment possible. Forcing everyone to adhere to his standards would ensure he wouldn’t be “scammed” by any of them. Some might find this kind of challenge trying; however, for those who invested the time, they were rewarded with his respect and friendship. Gifts to be treasured. Levi was a person of integrity and expected nothing less from others around him. Airplanes were a passion for Levi. Recognizing this love his uncle, who is a pilot, arranged for him to ride in the flight deck of a C-5 Galaxy cargo plane traveling to Hawaii. Although Levi knew a lot of facts about a variety of airplanes, his favorite aircraft was the F-22 Raptor. Perhaps it was because they shared similar attributes of being a formidable fighter with stealthy qualities when facing a foe. Levi, recently, had the privilege of fulfilling a lifelong dream of flying in a small propeller plane with a flight instructor. The experience was so powerful for him that he was inspired to pursue becoming a licensed pilot. Soaring in the sky gave him freedom that was different than when grounded. Levi was tactile and incredibly talented, especially at building things with his hands. When he was quite young, he would make things out of paper, cardboard, and tape. His creations of masks, costumes, toys, props, or whatever else came to mind were reflective of his innovation and skill. As he got older, he enjoyed animating his Legos with stop motion animation. His creations were often very humorous. Levi was collaborative. He worked with his siblings to create a project using stop motion animation demonstrating the importance of The Bill of Rights. Their creation impressively won an award at a multi-state competition. Legos allowed Levi to take his creativity to the next level. He inherited his dad’s Lego collection and used it to the fullest. He loved to make planes, cars, weapons, scenery, and dioramas. Levi’s designated “call-sign” was appropriately “Lego” and it was lovingly stitched on his flight suit. His creative ability would serve him well as his disease progressed. Although he lost the use of his legs, Levi was undeterred in his building pursuits. He was convinced he could build a much better and more mobility enhancing knee than the metal one that had replaced his original knee by his doctors. When building one of his inspirations, he was focused, driven, expeditious and undeterred. He skillfully created usable gadgets, such as things to hide items in. Levi’s love of Legos was shared with his family and friends, and is something he will always be remembered for. Levi may have been perceived as being quiet when first meeting him. But once he decided you were cool and he started talking to you, there was silence no more. Levi was active in his church’s youth group. He enjoyed a variety of activities, including cooking, sports, shooting, and games. He was a friend to both the members and leaders of the group. Youth Group was so important to him that although his disease worsened and getting out of the house proved more difficult, he would be undeterred and find a way to get out and attend the activities. Levi was diagnosed with a rare childhood cancer known as osteosarcoma in his left knee when he was 14 and had just finished junior high at Oakwood Junior High School. He would soon have to have his knee replaced with a metal one, which significantly limited his activity. Levi also underwent months of chemotherapy which caused his hair to fall out and weakened his body. He continued to fight bravely, giving up many of his beloved hobbies. Levi endured several more procedures and medical treatments with a courageous spirit that never quit. Throughout this journey, his compassion grew. All of it, finally, became too much for his body. Despite this, his spirit lives on and continues to inspire and uplift the many people who had the privilege of knowing him. He will always be remembered for his honesty, kindness, and sense of fairness for the underdog. Levi touched the lives of many, and he has left his imprint on countless hearts. Levi is survived by his loving parents, Richard and Stephanie Dunn; sister Naomi Dunn; brothers Maddox Dunn and Jonas Dunn; grandparents Larry and Cindy Dunn and Bill and Dana Green; aunts and uncles Hillary Green, Scott Wolford, Peter Green, Monica Green, John Green, Aaron Green, Max Green, Sarah Chapman, Jeff Chapman, Michael Dunn, Ariel Dunn, Katie Garner, and Geoff Garner; numerous cousins; and countless friends. Funeral Services for Levi will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday November 18, 2023 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 901 East Whipp Road, Centerville, Ohio. If desired, contributions may be made in Levi’s memory to support Osteosarcome Institute. Arrangements in care of The Final Legacy. Words of encouragement may be sent to www.reislegacycenter.com.

Levi Joseph Dunn

June 26, 2007 - November 11, 2023