Vernon William Dunaway Jr., 72, Osawatomie, lifelong resident of this area, died Sunday, June 20, 1993, at Menorah Medical Center in Kansas City, Mo.

Junior, as he was better known, was born Oct. 13, 1920, in Paola, to Vernon William Sr. and Helen Beatrice Hoover Dunaway. At an early age, he moved with his family from Paola to Osawatomie. He grew up there, attended the Osawatomie schools and graduated from Osawatomie High School with the Class of 1938. He attended college at the University of Kansas for two years.

Mr. Dunaway went to work for the Missouri Pacific Railroad in 1942. He entered the U.S. Marine Corps on July 23, 1942, and served during World War II. He obtained the rank of sergeant. He was discharged from the Marines in October 1945. After serving in the South Pacific, he returned to Osawatomie.

He was married on Nov. 17, 1945, to Marvelle Maxine Cockran in Osawtaomie. They became the parents of two children.

Mr. Dunaway was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Osawatomie, the United Transportation Union, Osage Valley #24 AF&AM. He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Hanlin Kelley Post 2258, was past master of the Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks 921, both of Osawatomie, and was a past president of the Osawatomie High School Alumni.

He retired in 1980. After retiring, one of his favorite pastimes was playing golf.

His father preceded him in death.

The survivors include his wife, Marvelle Dunaway of the home; a son, Jeff Dunaway of Topeka; a daughter, Gayle Dunaway of Lawrence; his mother, Helen King of Topeka; three sisters, Marianna Grant of Topeka, Barbara Hubbell of Leawood and Marcella Kirk of Pueblo. Colo.; and two grandchildren.

Cremation. Memorials may be made to the Arthritis Foundation or the Osawatomie High School Alumni Scholarship Fund. Memorials may be sent to Eddy-Birchard Funeral Home, P. O. Box 430, Osawatomie KS 66064.