Opal Elizabeth (Chastain) Dunaway was born May 11, 1925 to Grace (Hall) and Dave Chastain in Stilwell, Oklahoma. She lived her early childhood surrounded by many aunts, uncles and cousins that gave her the solid foundation of faith and family. The center of their lives was First Christian Church. She attended school in Stilwell and graduated in the class of 1945 of Stilwell High School. She formed lifelong friendships with classmates that she kept in touch with until her recent illness. Her favorite time of year was when her class reunion was held and she got to reconnect with these friends.

On December 10, 1943 she was married to her friend and life partner, Bill (Willie Maurice) Dunaway. They lived many places across America as Bill pursued his dream of working in the Space Industry as an engineer. Opal made the decision to always find the best in the places she lived and formed many friendships along the way. During those years she gave birth to their 4 children: Bill Dunaway Jr., (now of Hooks, Texas) Diana Dunaway Navarre (Now of Edgewood, NM) John Dunaway (now of Colorado Springs, CO) and Richard Dunaway (now of Independence, Kentucky).

When Bill retired from NASA in 1987, they moved back to Stilwell because that is where they felt most connected to friends and family. Six years ago, because of health issues, Opal moved to Texas and then New Mexico to be close to her only daughter and oldest granddaughter (Tara Navarre Shaffer) who both cared for her until her recent death.

Opal was a member of First Christian Church and Eastern Star. She was preceded in death by her parents, aunts, uncles, her husband and 1 half sister. She is survived by a half brother of Tulsa, Oklahoma, two special friends that were like sisters (Carlene Caldwell and Virgie Starr), her 4 children, 8 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren all of which were treasures in this life.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Navarre Ministries (Youth Scholarship Fund) P.O. Box 990 Edgewood, NM 87015
Visitation from 6-8 pm on Wednesday, May 2, 2012 .
Graveside services at 10 am on Thursday, May 3, 2012 at Stilwell City Cemetery.