Donald "Don" Ray Dunaway

1939 ∼ 2025

Donald “Don” Ray Dunaway, 85, of Buna, Texas, passed away on February 5, 2025, at his home in Buna. 

 Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, February 11, 2025, at Claybar Funeral Home in Bridge City. Burial will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens in Orange.

 Visitation will be from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, February 11, 2025, at Claybar Funeral Home in Bridge City.

Born in Tylertown, Mississippi, on July 25, 1939, he was the son of Woodrow Dunaway and Maxie Marie Alexander Dunaway. He had a distinguished career at Dunaway Insurance Agency, where he provided sound advice and support to countless clients. His contributions to the field of insurance were matched only by his commitment to serving his country, having proudly retired from the United States Army. Don’s heart extended beyond his professional life into the realms of community service and civic engagement. He was a valued member of the American Legion and the Lion's Club, where he made lasting connections and contributed to the betterment of those around him. As a member of the National Guard Association of the United States, he engaged with fellow veterans, sharing camaraderie and support. An avid outdoorsman, Don found joy in nature, embracing his love for hunting, fishing, and gardening. His affiliation with the North American Hunting Club and the NRA reflected his passion for outdoor activities and his belief in conservation. Don leaves behind a legacy marked by service, dedication, and a spirited love for the great outdoors. His presence will be profoundly missed by all who were fortunate enough to know him.

 He is preceded in death by his parents, Woodrow and Maxie Dunaway; his brother, Edwin Dunaway; his sister, Billie Faye Cannaday; and his grandson, Joshua Cormier.

He is survived by his loving wife of over 45 years, Ruth Dunaway; his daughter, Jennifer Cormier and husband, John; his son, Donald M. Dunaway and wife, Tabitha; his step-daughter, Teresa Quinonez; his grandchildren, Elyse Lackey-Pierce, Brooke Couder, Chelsie Harms, Cody Dunaway, Kaleb Cormier, Megan Moses, Cameron West, Dennis West, Stoney Owens, and Kansas Smith; his several great-grandchildren; his sisters, Marie Armstrong of Mississippi, and Linda Frank of Mississippi; and numerous other loving family members and friends. 

Serving as pallbearers will be John Cormier, Jeremy Smith, Dyllan Dunaway, Cameron West, Dennis West, Mike Hillin, Billy Burrow, and Stoney Owens. 

 

 

Memorial Video

Condolences

Jackie Alexander February 12, 2025
Uncle Don with his 2 sisters
E. Thomas February 8, 2025
I’m so sorry for your loss Marty. Sending Prayers for you and your family.
Mandy Landrum February 8, 2025
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Don, may God ease y’all’s pain. I have some stories but it would be a book. Don was a fantastic Father in law. Marty, Don and I would go bow hunting a lot, Don would say if you shoot something( mule deer, Elk, Bear ) wait 15 mins then come get me, So I shot a Buck I waited 15 mins went and got Don I told him my arrow had a big chunk of meat on it so I know he’s down. We trailed the blood for a long time then the blood just stopped the look on his face was priceless WELL let’s keep looking so we did for like an hour Don turns to me and says I know that buck is not alive I said Nahhhh he can’t be. We look some more the patience that Don had. He turned and the look on his face again. I think someone stole your buck you shot, he said with all this blood no way that deer survived. And I said Nahhh there is no way that buck is alive. He just kept saying I can not believe someone stole your buck. Don was an awesome man so kind and caring about everybody. He would help anybody that needed help. He will be well missed. Y’all are in my thoughts and prayers. Mandy Landrum
Sonya Villanoueva February 8, 2025
My first memory of meeting you was a trip to your office in Orange and you took Jennifer and I to lunch at the cafeteria that day. You always were so kind to me, who knew when we met that day that we would know each other for over 50 years?! Thank you for giving me my best friend in the world and thank you Mr. Dunaway, sir for your dedicated service to our nation. Now you may rest, Love you, Sonya
Simon Daigle February 8, 2025
Sorry for your loss. I knew Don thru the U.S. Army Reserve. He was my Command Sergeant Major at the 353rd Transportation Battalion in Beaumont in 1988. He always took care of the troops first and always made the weekend drill seem worthwhile. You will be missed. Captain Simon Daigle
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Services & Events

event Visitation

location_on 800 Highland Dr, Bridge City, 77611
directions Get Directions
schedule Tuesday, February 11, 2025 at 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM

event Funeral Service

location_on 800 Highland Dr, Bridge City, 77611
directions Get Directions
schedule Tuesday, February 11, 2025 at 2:00 PM