Dory Funk

Dorrance Wilhelm Funk (May 4, 1919 – June 3, 1973) was an American professional wrestler.

He is the father of wrestlers Dory Funk Jr.. and Terry Funk, and was a promoter of the Amarillo, Texas-based Western States Sports promotion.

Funk was born in Hammond, Indiana, on May 4, 1919, as the son of Emma E. (Gust) and Adam Funk.

He was an Indiana high school state champion amateur wrestler for three years at Hammond High School in Hammond, Indiana, as well as an Indiana State University Amateur Athletic Union champion for one year.

Funk began his career as a professional wrestler after serving in the United States Navy during World War II, starting in the southwest United States.

He wrestled primarily in the Texas territories and the Central States territories during his career.

Mainly a junior heavyweight, he fought Iron Mike Dibiase, Mike Clancy, Danny Hodge and Verne Gagne.

After Dory Jr. won the NWA Heavyweight championship in 1969, he was at ringside for many of his son's title defences.

Funk began promoting Western States Sports with Doc Sarpolis in Amarillo, Texas, where he led a thriving wrestling scene that produced many stars, including his sons Dory Funk Jr.. and Terry Funk, as well as Stan Hansen, Harley Race, Gene Kiniski, Tully Blanchard, Ted Dibiase, Tito Santana, Bruiser Brody, Ricky Romero, Jumbo Tsuruta, and Genichiro Tenryu.

Many of his wrestlers had played football at West Texas State University in nearby Canyon, Texas.

Funk had a good business relationship with All Japan Pro Wrestling founder Shohei Baba, which led Funk's talent pool to useful international experience.

Funk was also heavily involved with the Cal Farley Boys Ranch in Amarillo.

Funk died at St. Anthony's Hospital after suffering a heart attack on June 3, 1973, at the age of 54, while demonstrating a wrestling hold at his home to a visitor at his Flying Mare Ranch in Umbarger, Texas.

He was buried at Dreamland Cemetery in Canyon, Texas.

On July 15, 2006, Funk was posthumously inducted into the George Tragos/Lou Thesz Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame at the International Wrestling Institute and Museum in Newton, Iowa.

The award was accepted by his son, Terry.