Vernon Wesley Dunaway

Vernon Wesley Dunaway, 75, Carlsbad, New Mexico, passed away on March 25,2025 in El Paso, Texas. He was born in Denver, CO on May 11,1949 to William Clyde and Yvonne Ione Dunaway.

Cremation has taken place. A family celebration of life will be held at a later date.

“Wes” graduated from Silver State Christian School. Following high school, he enlisted in the USMC where he served 2 years during the Viet Nam War. In the ensuing years he worked at a variety of jobs. All of them involved working with his hands. He was a vending machine service man, a TV repairman, and an auto mechanic. In his later years of life, he spent working in the mining industry performing and planning for maintenance and repairs as well as running various equipment in mines in Colorado, Arizona, and New Mexico.

He is described by those who knew him best as a devoted family man who was generous, patient, smart, kind and wickedly funny. He derived joy in watching those he loved to thrive.

He is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Donald Dunaway; sister, Verna Beaty; and two brothers-in-law: Ray Beaty and Walt Garson.

He was a beloved son, brother, father and grandfather. To that end he leaves behind a sister, Martha Garson; five children: Cheri Wilson, Michael Dunaway, Robin Dunaway, Marcus Dunaway, Johanne Dunaway-Bailey; son-in-law, Bryan Bailey; three grandchildren: Brittany Mallett (John), Cougar Keeler and Jessie Keeler. Also left behind numerous nieces and nephews.

Condolences may be expressed at dentonwood.com.