Lima, OH
Donald “Don” William Cunningham, age 85, passed away on March 6, 2023, at 11:25 am, at the Mercy Health – St. Rita’s Medical Center. Don was born July 9, 1937 in Panaca, NV, to William C. and Ethelyn (Wadsworth) Cunningham who preceded him in death. On November 25, 1955, he married his wife of 67 years, Pauline J. (Clayton) Cunningham who survives in Lima.
In addition to his wife, Don is survived by his daughter, Deborah (Glenn) Franks of Findlay, OH and a son, Donald B. Cunningham of Lima, OH. He was a “Big Brother” to Patsy Cox of Ft. Wayne, IN, Jayne Kisor of Lima, OH, Rebecca (Sherrell) Queen of Provo, UT and David (Dawn) Cunningham of Lima, OH. He is also survived by 6 grandchildren: Colin (Heather) Franks, Bryan (Amy) Cunningham, Caitlin (Steve) King, Clay (Rachel) Franks, Cameron (Cindy) Franks and Cristin (Alec) Courtney, 6 great grandchildren: Emmalynn Franks, Boone Franks, Maya Franks, Indy King, Olivia Franks and Landon Courtney, many nieces and nephews and special cousins, Nancy, Tim and Susan.
Don was a 1955 graduate of Lima South High School. He had signed a contract to pitch for the Philadelphia Phillies, but decided to get married instead. After getting married he held many different odd jobs until he was hired at the Lima Ford Engine Plant in 1958. He was a very active union member and served as a committeeman and trustee along with editor of the union newspaper. Don retired in 1991 after 33 years of service. Don loved bowling and golf, both playing and watching it on television. He enjoyed golfing with his grandsons and bowling with his daughter in Findlay for many years. Before bowling, Deb and her dad would go out to eat and would rotate between several different restaurants each week. Family was important to Don. He loved spending time with his grandchildren. He enjoyed going to their baseball and soccer games and to their band and music concerts, and dance recitals as well. Don was present for all the grandchildren’s baptisms, high school and college graduations and their weddings. Later came the six great grandchildren and it started all over again. At family get togethers he liked to play euchre, where there are stories to be told. He also liked going to his daughter and son in-law’s cabin in Kentucky where many good times were shared. Don worked hard for his family, and had a life well lived. He will be missed by all he left behind, but is now rejoined with loved ones in heaven.
There will be a Celebration of Life held on Friday, March 10, 2023 at 11:00 am at the CHILES-LAMAN FUNERAL AND CREMATION SERVICES, SHAWNEE CHAPEL. Officiating the service will be Pastor Steve King and Pastor Trevor Wright. Friends may visit with family one hour prior to the service. Entombment of cremated remains will be in the Memorial Park Cemetery Mausoleum at a later date. In lieu of flowers, family requests that donations be made to the American Cancer Society. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.chiles-lamanfh.com.