Melvin "Mike" Dunavan

Melvin "Mike" Jacob Dunavan, age 37 of Cayuga, Indiana, passed away on Saturday, September 6, 2025 surrounded by so much love at Union Hospital in Terre Haute from a long treacherous battle with melanoma cancer.

He was born in Terre Haute on November 20, 1987, to John Robert and Laurie Jean (Cheesman) Dunavan.

Mike graduated from North Vermillion High School in 2006, was a proud member of the Sons of American Legion post 263 for 29 years, and dedicated over 13 years of his life to working for Walker Family Farms/ProAgr in Cayuga. His passion for his work was surpassed only by his love for his family.

Mike found happiness in the life's simplest moments-cheering on his kids, nephews, and nieces at their sporting events, taking his wife on spontaneous dates, bowling with friends and league members, gathering for Friday night and Sunday family dinners, playing glow bingo with his wife and best friends, Joey and Chelsey Scott, or enjoying the great outdoors while golfing, camping, watching demolition derbies, and riding his side-by-side. Above all, Mike cherished family time. He reminded everyone of what truly matters in life. He was the steady backbone of his family, always ready to drop whatever he was doing to help.

On April 18, 2023, Mike married the love of his life, Corinne "Cori" Dunavan, who survives him. Their love story was one of a kind - filled with wild flower picking, laughter, compassion, and unwavering devotion. They both brought out the best in each other and cherished every moment together.

Mike and Cori share three strong, brave, courageous, beautiful children: Dawsen, Kaisley, and Mazilyn. His children were his greatest pride and joy, his legacy, and his deepest source of love. He was endlessly proud of each of them, and he fought with everything he had to remain by their side-to witness their lives unfold and to celebrate every milestone and achievement.

He loved his children and wife more than anything in this world, and he would give them the moon and the stars if he could.

Mike is also survived by his mother, Laurie Jean Dunavan; his sister, Christina (Cliff) Mikel; his brother, Jon Dunavan (Roxie Marshall); his grandpa, Bill Dunavan; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Mark and Marianne Hallett; his brother-in-laws, Kyle Hallett and Caleb (Sofia) Hallett; and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and one great-nephew.

He was preceded in death by his father, John Robert Dunavan; his paternal grandmothers, Rosalie Dunavan and Debbie Dunavan; his maternal grandparents, Arnold and Gloria Cheesman; his cousin, Jason Dunavan; and beloved dogs, Milo and Chloe.

Mike had a contagious smile that could light up an entire room. He was everyone's favorite hello and the hardest goodbye. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and adored him.

There will be a Graveside Service at Eugene Cemetery on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at 3:00 pm. with Pastor Kurt Flora officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to the funeral home to assist the family with funeral and medical expenses. You may donate online by clicking on the Make a Payment tab at www.SandersFuneralCare.com Share memories and condolences online at www.SandersFuneralCare.com.