Donald Lee Dunaway (92) of Cowden

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Published on April 26 2023 10:37 am

Donald Lee Dunaway, 92, of Cowden, IL passed away on Tuesday, April 25, 2023, in HSHS St. John’s Hospital in Springfield, IL.

Don was born on October 15, 1930, in Cowden, the son of William Calvin and Lila (Prater) Dunaway. He was a 1948 graduate of Cowden High School and was a veteran of the United States Air Force. Don’s life was filled with love and family. He first married Bonnie Kline on June 9, 1954, who sadly preceded him in death on August 2, 1990, after 36 years of marriage.  He then found love again with Ruby McBride. They were married on December 25, 1993, and they were blessed with 26 years together before her passing on April 19, 2020. Don worked for Caterpillar in Decatur for many years before retiring in 1991 and operated Dunaway Berries for over 30 years. He enjoyed driving his beloved “Ms.Wilma” around town and together they would frequent Dairy Queen. He attended the Free Methodist Church in Cowden. Don was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend to many and will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.

He is survived by his children: Tim (Debbie) Dunaway, Tina (JR) Richards, Teri (Steve) Miller and Tammie (Tim) Massengill; 10 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death were his parents; wives: Bonnie and Ruby; brothers: Carroll “Bud” Dunaway and William Dunaway; sisters: Ruth Banning and Ann Huelskoetter and brother-in-law, Jim Kline.

Visitation will be held from 5:00-8:00 p.m. on Friday, April 28, 2023, and from 10:00-11:00 a.m. on Saturday in the Cowden Free Methodist Church. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 29, 2023, in the Cowden Free Methodist Church with Pastor Steve Neville officiating. Burial will take place in Mound Cemetery. Memorials may be made in Don’s name to the Effingham County Humane Society or the donor’s favorite charity. Lockart-Green Funeral Home in Cowden is assisting the family.

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