HAVERFORD, Pa. – Haverford College and the entire Haverford College Athletic Department is mourning the death of former men’s cross country and track & field coach Francis E. “Dixie” Dunbar.
Dunbar arrived as a part-time coach in 1966 and soon used his engineering background to become the Mechanical Maintenance Director for what was the then-named Building and Grounds Department at Haverford College. Dunbar spent 10 seasons as the head coach at Haverford until he was succeeded by current head coach Tom Donnelly following the 1975 track & field season. He retired from his full-time position at the College in 1984. Dixie was the husband of the late Mary E. Dunbar (nee Keefrider), who served as a librarian at Haverford.
“Dixie was the most amazing, nice guy you will ever meet,” explained Tom Donnelly. “In addition to coaching, he held his full-time position with the College and made himself available 20 hours a day. His ability to hold a full-time position at Haverford and lead a college team speaks volumes about his dedication to every person at Haverford College.”
A native of Delaware County, Dunbar was the quarter-mile record holder in the Philadelphia area during his high school career at West Philadelphia Catholic High School for Boys. Dunbar went on to be the first student-athlete to earn a full Division I Scholarship to run track & field at Villanova University. His athletic career at Villanova was interrupted in the 1940s by World War II in which Dunbar served his country valiantly. He would go on to be inducted into both his high school and college Hall of Fames.
Dunbar was most remembered for his enthusiasm for his student-athletes. He was also instrumental in rallying alumni support for the program during his tenure. In addition to Haverford, Dunbar also spent time coaching at Monsignor Bonner High School.
Dunbar and his wife were the loving parents of eight children. Relatives and friends are invited to his viewing Wednesday, February 25, 2015 (7 p.m. – 9 p.m.) and Thursday, February 26, 2015 (9 a.m. – 10 a.m.) at the Donohue Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory to Little Flower Manor, 1201 Springfield Road, Darby, Pa. would be appreciated.