IBERIS—Michael Stuart Dunaway, 69, died peacefully at home in Lancaster County on June 10, 2026, after a courageous 16-year battle with multiple myeloma. Having exhausted all available treatment options, Michael chose hospice care and remained at home, surrounded by family and friends.
Michael was born March 23, 1957. He was the son of Stuart and Jean Dunaway and the grandson of Hilton and Marcella Carlson and Lawrence and Ella Stuart Dunaway. Jane Dunaway is his stepmother. He is survived by his son, Brandon Michael Dunaway (Jessi); his siblings, Marcelle Greene, (Bob), Mark Dunaway (Miguel) and Melissa Dunaway; his stepdaughters, Rachel Benson and Tiffany Kesner; and his step-granddaughter, Addy Kesner. His niece Meghan Anthony and nephews Christian Anthony, Ian Dunaway and Tyler Dunaway also survive him.
Michael was the beloved husband of Jenny Dunaway and a devoted stepfather to Zach (Lindsay) Christman, Seth (Jordan) Christman and Jake (Elizabeth) Christman. Known affectionately as “Papa Michael,” he cherished his grandchildren, Eli, Bayes, Harper, Wes, Carter and Caroline.
For many years, Michael worked alongside his parents at Tri-Star Supermarket in Kilmarnock. He also worked as a distributor for Murray Biscuit Company. A skilled carpenter, he built his own home in Iberis and contributed to countless projects throughout Virginia’s Northern Neck as an electrician and painter.
Michael was passionate about Virginia history and spent much of his life researching his family genealogy. He dedicated countless hours to mentoring young people through the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and Venture Crew programs, often leading caving expeditions through Virginia’s wild cave systems. He also served as a ranger at Belle Isle State Park. Michael loved sharing his knowledge and enthusiasm with others and left a lasting impact through his generosity, guidance, and service to his community.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, June 24, at Trinity Episcopal Church. The family will receive visitors in Trinity’s Parish Hall beginning at 1 p.m. Interment will follow at St. Mary’s Whitechapel. Friends and family are invited to attend a reception in the parish hall at St. Mary’s Whitechapel following the graveside service.
The family would like to thank the nurses at the Tappahannock Infusion Center, Kevin Brigle, P.A., Dr. Tom Harrington, Dr. Nazy Zahedi, DDS, and the hospice nurses who were angels during Michael’s last days. May God bless you all!
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to Lancaster Virginia Historical Society, the Hammock-Hayden Scholarship Fund, or the Upper Lancaster Community Food Pantry.
