Melvin Lee Cunningham

Melvin Lee Cunningham, son of Clifford and Vesta B (Nichols) Cunningham, was born in Princeton`, Missouri, on July 21, 1933, and passed away on March 30, 2018, at the Putnam County Care Center in Unionville, Missouri, at the age of 84 years.

On July 12, 1958 he was united in marriage to Minnie Ellen Thomas at the First Baptist Church in Princeton, Missouri. Two children were born to this marriage, Ronald Lee Cunningham and Mary Rhonda (Cunningham) VanBuskirk.

Melvin was raised in Mercer County, Missouri (around Half Rock, Princeton and Ravanna). He graduated from Ravanna High School in 1951. Upon graduation he worked for Ben Williams and also Sears Roebuck Company in Kansas City, Missouri. He was inducted in the United States Army on July 14, 1953 and serving until his discharge June 6, 1955. Melvin received the National Defense Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal. After his service in the Army he started working for Grand River Mutual Telephone Company in Princeton, Missouri and retired on June 30, 1991 serving 35 years. After he retired, Melvin and Minnie moved to the family farm near Newtown, Missouri where they resided until he entered the Putnam County Care Center.

Melvin was a member of the Lucerne Christian Church and a former member of the Newtown Christian Church where he also served on the Church Board. Melvin will be remembered most for his stories and that he never met a stranger. He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, whittling, hunting and fishing.

Melvin is survived by his wife of 59 years, Minnie Ellen (Thomas) Cunningham of their home near Newtown, Missouri; his daughter Mary Rhonda (and son-in-law Philip) VanBuskirk of Lucerne, Missouri; 5 grandchildren, Chris Cunningham of Chillicothe, Missouri, Heath Simpson and Heather Simpson of Lucerne, Missouri, Sabrina (Eric) Mitchell of Liberty, Missouri and Brock VanBuskirk of Lucerne, Missouri; one great grandson, Owen Mitchell of Liberty, Missouri; one sister Sharon Cunningham of Smithville, Missouri; two sister-in-laws, Margaret (Bob) Elliott of Hot Springs, AK and Barbara Cunningham of St. Charles, Missouri; one daughter-in-law, Kathy (Steve) Gooley and several nieces, nephews, other family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Jerry Cunningham; two sisters, Ruth McPike and June Robinson and his son, Ronald Cunningham.

Funeral Services for Melvin were held on Tuesday, April 3, 2018 at 2:00pm with his visitation beginning one hour prior at the Playle and Collins Family Funeral Home. Burial followed at the Thomas Union Cemetery and memorials are suggested to the Thomas Union Cemetery or the Lucerne Christian Church and may be entrusted to the Playle and Collins Family Funeral Home, 709 S. 27th St., Unionville, MO 63565.