In Loving Memory of Zachary Ethan Dunstan
June 5, 1992 – January 18, 2026
Zachary Ethan Dunstan was born on June 5, 1992, at Western Baptist Hospital in Paducah, Kentucky to Johnny and Carla Dunstan. He passed away at the age of 33 and is deeply and dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Zach was the youngest of five boys, the final piece that completed the Dunstan family. He shared a lifelong bond with his older brothers—Josh, John, Matthew, and Jordan.
Growing up, Zach was active in sports and was a proud member of the Hardin County Cougars baseball team during his high school years. He also enjoyed the simple joys of life, like playing hacky sack and spending time with friends.
Zach graduated from Hardin County High School in 2010. Shortly after graduation, he proudly enlisted in the National Guard, attending basic training in Georgia before continuing at Fort Jackson in South Carolina. Following his return home, Zach worked a variety of jobs, including the E-Town River Restaurant in the fish shack and later with Atkinson Enterprises under Greg Atkinson.
Zach eventually found his way into the coal mines, where he built lasting friendships that stayed with him throughout his life.
In 2016, he began his career as a boilermaker, a path that introduced him to many people he didn’t just work alongside—but truly considered family.
On January 1, 2018, Zach’s life was forever changed when his daughter, Ivy Lynn Dunstan, was born. From that moment on, his world was complete. Ivy was the light of his life, and Zach was a proud father from the very first day.
Zach had a personality that left a lasting impression wherever he went. His smile was constant, his laugh contagious, and his presence unforgettable. No matter the circumstances, Zach had a way of making people feel at ease and bringing joy into the room. If you knew Zach—even if years had passed—he was always the same genuine, kind-hearted person. To know Zach was truly to love him.
He cherished time with his family and enjoyed playing guitar, video games, riding horses, four-wheelers, and side-by-sides, going to the bar with friends, fishing, searching for arrowheads, and hiking through the woods—always drawn to the outdoors and the freedom it brought him.
Zach shared a deep and enduring bond with his brothers—Jordan, John, Josh, and Matt. It was uncommon to find Zach without Jordan by his side, a reflection of the closeness they shared. As the youngest, Zach proudly embraced his role as the “little big brother,” offering honesty, and unwavering loyalty to his brothers.
Zach greatly cherished the time he spent with his father, often sitting together for hours, listening to his stories and sharing meaningful conversations that Zach held close to his heart.
He loved his nieces and nephews dearly and found great joy in spending time with them. Zach also maintained close relationships with his uncles, valuing the family connections that shaped his life.
Family meant everything to Zach, and his love, presence, and devotion will be remembered always.
Zach is survived by his father, Johnny (Kelly) Dunstan; his brothers, Josh Dunstan, John Dunstan, and Jordan (Cassie) Dunstan; his daughters, Ivy Lynn Dunstan and Aubree Bogue; along with his uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins, and the many friends he considered family.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Carla Dunstan; his brother, Matthew Dunstan; his nephew, Evan Dunstan; and his grandparents, Carlene Dunstan, Elroy Dunstan, Mary Ruth (Bragdon) Crouch, and Rudy Bragdon.
Zach’s legacy will forever live on in the lives he touched, the laughter he shared, and the love he gave so freely. He will never be forgotten. HP4L
Written by Jordan and Cassie Dunstan
Published in the January 29, 2026 Hardin County Independent.
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