Robert Hugh Dunaway, born December 1, 1924, in Springfield, Mo., died May 14, 2013, in Augusta, Ga., due to complications connected with Parkinson’s disease.
He graduated Central High School in Springfield, Mo., and enlisted in the United States Army at age 18, to fight in World War II. He served in the European Theatre of Operations which included Northern France, Germany and Central Europe campaigns. For this, he was awarded the European/Middle East/Africa Theatre ribbon with three stars to signify his participation in these campaigns. He was also awarded the Soldier’s Medal for bravery in a non-combat situation. In June 1945, he rescued four fellow servicemen from a burning munitions truck, at great personal risk. He was awarded this medal at O’Reilly Hospital in Springfield, Mo. This medal ranks above the Bronze Star Medal and below the Distinguished Flying Cross. He was Honorably Discharged in 1945, and then re-enlisted during the Korean Conflict. He subsequently received an Honorable Discharge during this conflict. His other awards include the Good Conduct Medal, Army of Occupation Japan/Germany Ribbon, American Theatre ribbon and the World War II Ribbon.
He was married to Florence “Kay” Marion Hays in Springfield, Mo., on April 19, 1951. They shared 61 years of marriage. Together they had six children who survive him: Amy Dunaway Immel and her spouse, Jeff Immel of Atlanta, Ga., Robert D. Dunaway and Marcy Dunaway of Dallas, Texas, Susan Dunaway Thielke and her spouse, Dr. Frederick L. Thielke of Augusta, Ga., Kevin H. Dunaway and Denise Dunaway of Springfield, Mo., Polly Dunaway Mullins of Charlotte, N.C., and Cara Dunaway Ringen and her spouse, Deron Ringen, of Atlanta, Ga.; also surviving him are 13 grandchildren: Sean Dunaway, Neely Kate Dunaway, Edvin Dunaway, Rebecca Thielke Manton, Catherine Thielke Groupe, Abigail Thielke, Callie Dunaway, Kenzie Dunaway, Evan Brown, Grayson Brown, Rianne Mullins, Mary Blake Mullins, and Emma Mullins. He is survived by five great-grandchildren. He is also survived by one sister, Nancy Dunaway Baldwin of Springfield, Mo. He is survived by his wife, Kay Dunaway, who resides in Augusta, Ga.
After service in the military, he worked for several newspapers, including the Joplin Globe, St. Louis Post Dispatch, and the Denver Post. He then worked for Southwestern Bell, selling Yellow Pages advertising, becoming their top salesperson for the state of Kansas. He resigned that position, and embarked upon establishment of a sole proprietorship commercial/residential fencing company in Topeka, Kansas, and throughout the remainder of his working career, was a participant in various other businesses, such as land development, residential construction, retail enterprises, and a publishing company which produced Homes and Lands of Augusta, Georgia. Throughout his life, he was a creative and imaginative entrepreneur, owning and operating many successful businesses throughout his lifetime. Though his interests were diverse, his greatest passion beyond his love of playing golf dealt in both commercial and residential land speculation, development and investment.
A visitation is scheduled for Saturday, June 1, 2013 from 1:00-2:00 p.m., in Greenlawn Funeral Home South, with a graveside service with military honors, in Maple Park Cemetery, at 2:30 p.m., following the visitation.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to: The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, Grand Central Station, PO Box 4777 NY, NY 10163.