Robert C. Dunavan, 78, passed away May 1, 2020 at the University of Kansas Health Systems Pawnee Valley Campus, Larned.
He was born January 3, 1942 in Great Bend, the son of Ira and Mildred Walters Dunavan.
A lifetime area resident, he attended the United States Military Academy at West Point New York, where he was a member of the graduation class of 1966. He served in the United States Army and later retired as a Lieutenant Colonel. Following his retirement, he was a professor of economics and political science at Barton Community College, Great Bend. He was a member of the Pawnee Rock Christian Church, where he served as an elder and as the church pianist. He was a member of Gideons International and the American Legion, Great Bend. He enjoyed music, farming, and time with his grandchildren.
On June 6, 1966 he married Janice G. Hallagin at West Point, New York; she survives.
Other survivors include: a son, Brian (Karen) Dunavan, San Antonio, Texas; daughter, Diane (Jeff) Gibson, Great Bend; a daughter-in-law, Melissa (Bill) Lloyd, San Antonio, Texas; two sisters-in-law, Sheryl Dunavan, Cape Girardeau, Missouri, Janet Dunavan, Leavenworth; eight grandchildren: Channing Dunavan, Zachary Dunavan, Ian Gibson, Grant Dunavan, Chloe Gibson, Joshua Lloyd, Karalyne Dunavan, Madeline Lloyd; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Michael J. Dunavan; and two brothers, Alan L. Dunavan and Daniel O. Dunavan.
Graveside service will be 11:00 a.m. Monday, May 4, 2020 at Pawnee Rock Cemetery with Pastor John Thomas presiding. Visitation will be 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Sunday, Beckwith Mortuary Chapel, Larned, with family present from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Burial with military graveside rites. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Memorials may be given to Gideons International or Pawnee Rock Christian Church in care of Beckwith Mortuary, PO Box 477, Larned, KS 67550. Condolences may be left at www.beckwithmortuary.com.