Dr. Lester Barclay Dunning, 63, prominent Columbia County dentist and former head of the County Board of Health, died suddenly at his West Ghent residence Monday evening following a heart seizure. A native of New York City, he was the son of Edgar F. Dunning and Lula Van Voorhis. He was a graduate of Peekskill Military Academy and the dental school of the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Dunning practiced in New York City and Brooklyn from 1921 until 1943 when he moved to West Ghent and established an office in Chatham which he maintained until his death. Active in dental societies, he was a former head of the Dental Information Bureau of New York City, a fellow of the International College of Dentists and the Second District Dental Society. He served as president of the County Board of Health in 1955. During World War I, Dr. Dunning was a 2nd Lt. in the Coast Artillery and at the time of his death held the rank of Lieutenant Commander in the US Naval Reserve. His membership included Psi Omega fraternity, Chatham Exchange Club, Chatham Post 42, American Legion, West Ghent Grange, West Ghent Volunteer Fire Co. and the County Historical Society. He is survived by his wife, Mary Wait Dunning and a brother, Edgar F. Dunning of Albany. Services were held today from his late residence with the Rev. George W. Crumley of Chatham officiating. Interment was in the Kinderhook Cemetery. E.B. Gifford and Son of Chatham had charge of arrangements.
