Verna Mae Dunagan

After a battle with metastatic lung cancer, Verna Mae Dunagan passed away on June 27, 2026, at 12:00 pm at the age of 89 after a long and full life defined by faith, family, and service. Born near Albion, Nebraska, on September 22, 1936, to Harold and Viola (Reynoldson) Dufoe. Verna grew up on a farm where she developed her lifelong work ethic. She attended a rural K–8 school and later boarded in town with another family to finish her education at Albion High School. Active in choir, band, and marching band—serving as an assistant drum major and playing tenor saxophone—she was ultimately chosen as the Harvest Homecoming Queen.

After high school, Verna began her career in education as secretary to the local school superintendent. She married her high school sweetheart, Derald, in 1955, and together they built a life anchored in church, education and community. In Abilene, Texas, while Derald pursued his degrees at Abilene Christian University, Verna worked at the university's business office receiving tuition benefits that allowed her to attend college part-time.

Their life's journey took them to South Dakota and then Colorado, where they made their permanent home. Verna worked in different school levels as an elementary principal's secretary, junior high financial secretary, and high school financial secretary. She retired in 1990 after more than 20 years of dedicated service.

Verna and Derald faithfully served at both Lakewood Church of Christ and Bear Valley Church of Christ in the Denver area. In recognition of their steadfast support and encouragement of students at the Bear Valley School of Preaching, they were honored with a distinguished service award. When Verna moved to Nixa, Missouri in 2020 she became an active member at Union Hill Church of Christ.

Verna and Derald were married nearly 60 years until his passing. She was a devoted mother and grandmother who loved sewing, crafting, supporting her children's and grandchildren's activities, and cheering for her favorite football teams the Denver Broncos and in later years, the Kansas City Chiefs. Verna also loved to shop and was the best, most generous gift giver for all her children, grandchildren, and especially her great grandchildren, with her meticulous eye for style.

Verna was preceded in death by her parents, her one brother Danny Dufoe, and her husband, Derald Dunagan. 

She is survived by her son Bob Dunagan and his wife, Kim (Kemper) Dunagan, of Cedar Park, TX; Steve Dunagan and his wife, Jenny (Shelton) Dunagan of Battlefield, MO; daughter Sandy (Dunagan) Kemper and her husband, Morris Kemper of Denver, CO. She is also survived by three grandsons: Kirby Dunagan and his wife, Jessica; Kelly Dunagan and his wife, Alyssa; and Brady Dunagan; along with seven beloved great-grandchildren. Verna is also survived by her sisters, Dorothy Atwood of Albion, Nebraska, and Judy Briese and her husband, Steve, of Windsor, Colorado. She is also survived by multiple nieces and nephews. 

Verna will be remembered for her kindness, her steadfast spirit, and the love she shared so generously.

Arrangements are under the direction of Adams Funeral Home, Nixa and cremation rites will be accorded by Adams Crematory.