"Judy and family, we are so sorry for your loss. Joe was such a nice man with a big smile. Kent always enjoyed being around you all. We will have you in our thoughts for the days ahead. In Sympathy Randy & Dana Justice Kahoka, MO"
In loving memory of
Joe Cunningham
February 18, 2016
Joe Cunningham passed away peacefully while surrounded by family on Thursday, February 18, 2016, after a long and courageous battle with Lewy Bodies Dementia.
Born on April 3, 1941 in Stronghurst, IL to Dale and Alma (Trent) Cunningham, his family relocated to Ewing, MO when he was in the third grade.
Joe is survived by his wife of nearly 52 years, Judy (Hoener) Cunningham of Quincy. They were married May 29, 1964 in Philadelphia, MO, and raised two children: a son, Curt Cunningham (son, Max) of Columbia, MO; and a daughter, Sallie Cunningham (husband, Paul Deutsch), of Madison, WI.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Dale and Alma (Trent) Cunningham; and siblings, Betty Lou Cunningham, Janet Rayburn and Glenn Cunningham (infant).
After graduating from Ewing High School, Ewing, MO, in 1959, Joe attended Northeast Missouri State Teachers College in Kirksville.
Joe managed the Connor's Corner Truck Stop at the original Hwy 24/61 junction in Taylor, MO and owned the West Quincy Standard filling station in West Quincy, MO, where he made many close friends. He eventually followed his dream to farm full time, and he and his wife, Judy, farmed in several counties in northeast Missouri over a total of four decades. They lived on farms near Ewing and then near Lewistown, Missouri, where they raised their children.
Joe was passionate about many great causes, including children's health and education. He was a member of Masonic Lodge No. 222 A.F.& A.M. in La Belle, MO and the Moolah Shrine Temple in St. Louis. Joe loved farm machinery and owned many interesting tractors and other implements over the years. He was a licensed private pilot, and he and his wife were Culver-Stockton College basketball season ticket holders and members of the Great River Corvette Club where they enjoyed many friendships. Joe never met a stranger and he loved a good deal. His favorite times were spent with his grandson, Max.
The family would like to thank the clinicians and caregivers at Bradford Villa and Blessing Hospital for their care and support of the entire family over the past few weeks.
Visitation: 11:00 am - 1:00 pm on Monday, February 22, 2016 at the Hansen-Spear Funeral Home (16th and State Street in Quincy). Masonic services will be held at the end of the visitation.
Funeral Service: 1:00 pm on Monday, February 22, 2016 at Hansen-Spear Funeral Home with Dr. Sam Swisher officiating. A celebration of life for attendees will be held, following the burial, at Town and Country Inn & Suites in Quincy.
Burial: Greenmount Cemetery, Quincy, Illinois
Memorials: The family requests memorials be made to the Joe and Judy Cunningham Endowed Scholarship fund at Culver-Stockton College, Canton, MO or Shriners Hospital in St. Louis.
Website: www.hansenspear.com
Hansen-Spear Funeral Directors are in charge of arrangements.
Tributes
"Judy, Sally and Curtis: So sorry to hear of Joe's passing. We were unaware he was ill. Gary really enjoyed visiting with you and Joe. He laughed as he related the Arlo stories. We have good memories of you. We just pray God will strengthen you during this time."
"Blessed were those who knew Joe! He welcomed all and we are thankful to have flown in his plane, and shared a memorable Thanksgiving with Uncle Joe and Aunt Judy. May he be flying in Heaven, until you meet again!"
"Dear Cunningham Family, I am so sorry to hear of Joe's passing. You are in our thoughts and prayers."
"I know the disease well, and am now helping a neighbor with it. My dad suffered from it and I am heartbroken when I hear it is a diagnosis. My heart goes out to you and hope you find peace in the comfort he now enjoys. He is surely sharp and in charge, in God's afterlife."
"Judy, Mom (Marty) called me a short while ago. I am so sorry about Joe. I have so many memories of him and the rest of you. Please let Sally and Curt how sorry I am as well."
"so sorry to here of Joe's passing,him and I had been good friends since 1969 when I went to work for Quincy Soybean had lot of fun with him on the corner."
"Dear Judy and family, I was so sad to hear of Joes passing. I know you will be lost without him. He was such a great man. Joe always put a smile on the faces of everyone he spoke to. I will certainly miss his sense of humor and big smile. I hope he meets my dad in heaven, I know those two would hit it off. I am in Florida till the end of the month, but you are in my thoughts and prayers. My heart goes out to you."
"Dear Judy, OMG, it seems I was just talking to Joe and you every time I went to Quincy, what a nice couple you two were and Joe, and his jokes and just the way he was, I nice friend since 1969 when I was at the Plaza all those years and then the Pier. Even in St. Louis at the Galleria we had to talk for hours too, Judy I am sure you got tired of us talking, but what a great pleasure always seeing and meeting you both. I sure will remember Joe in my prayers, Judy you had a great guy there, thanks for sharing him with all of us. I will be in Quincy Saturday night and Sunday but have to leave 6:30am Monday, or I would be at the funeral. Paul K. Geers"
"Dear Cunningham Family: I recently met Sallie at Culver-Stockton College. I really enjoyed meeting her, and we had a far-ranging discussion. We talked about Joe; during that conversation, I learned about Lewy Bodies Dementia. I am so sorry for the loss of Joe. And I can't imagine what his, and your, struggles were like during these final months, weeks, days, and minutes. May he rest in peace, far from the struggles that he faced. And may you find peace and comfort in each other during your time of loss and mourning. I really enjoyed reading about Joe's life in the piece above, even though I know that it doesn't come close to describing the man you loved. And a near 52-year marriage? Wow, I was not sure that those types of blessed institutions still existed! Here's to life, which unfortunately ends this way. Peace to all of you, Tory L. Lucas"
"Sally, you may not remember me but im Curtis Mosbys sister. We just want you and your family know you are in our prayers. You have our deepest sympathy. May god wrap his arms around you all at this time of need."
"Judy, Curt and Sallie I am deeply saddened to hear of Joe's passing. I pray for healing of your heavy hearts. I consider myself a lucky person to have known Joe and to have been considered a friend. My very deepest sympathy to you. Carol, Nathan and Justin Alderton"
"Judy,Curt,Sallie,Paul.My thoughts and prayers are with during this time.May God give you comfort and peace."
"Sallie and Family - deepest sympathies during this time. Keep good memories as you remember your dad's life. Mary & Steve Rindo"
"Sallie and Paul, the AmFam Field Marketing team shares our condolences to you, Mrs. Cunningham and your entire family. We are thinking of you all."
"Dear Judy, Seems not so very long ago when we stopped to chat with you both when we were walking in the Mall. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. As ever, Dick & Pat Wentura Quincy"
"Dean Cunningham, Dear Judy, Bonnie & I are very sad to hear of Joe's passing. He was a good friend and we will miss him."
"We would like to send our sincere condolences to our friend and colleague Sallie Cunningham, her mother and all the family on the passing of Joseph. Dave Haugen and all the BD team at GE Healthcare"