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PEKIN - Eugene Edward Cunningham, 80, of Pekin, Ill., passed away at 6:08 p.m. Saturday, March 8, 2014, at the OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home in Peoria.
Gene was born on April 26, 1933, in Pekin, Ill., to Robert and Irene Cunningham. He was a devoted husband with 59 years of marriage to his high school sweetheart, Joanne Danner, who survives. They married on Feb. 24, 1955.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
After serving in the United States Air Force during the Korean War, Gene and Joanne made their home in Pekin, Ill.
They had three children who survive, Robert (Buck) Cunningham, Vicki (Rich) Shanklin and Shelly Cunningham. Also surviving are two grandchildren, Jabin Cunningham and Coltin (Megan) Cunningham. He also leaves behind a brother, Bobby Cunningham of Pekin, Ill.
In his early years, Gene played fast pitch softball with Basco Autobody and pitched a winning game against the famous team "The King and His Court." He shared his love of sports through coaching little league baseball, Biddy Basketball and boxing. He was an avid hunter who enjoyed spending time in the wilderness with his many beloved dogs. His hobbies evolved into raising and training German Shorthair dogs, and they competed in and won numerous field trials throughout Nebraska, Kansas, Wyoming and Illinois. In his retirement years, he enjoyed camping, fishing and riding his horses with his beloved wife, children and grandchildren.
Respecting his wishes, a casual gathering to celebrate Gene's life will be from 5 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 11, 2014, at Avanti's Restaurant, 3610 Kelly Ave., Pekin. Join the family for a time of food and fellowship.
Henderson Funeral Home & Crematory is in charge of the arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine to benefit animal research.
To view Gene's memorial tribute or to leave an online condolence, go to www.hendersonfuneralcare.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
6 Entries
To aunt Beryl, Cheryl and Maureen: May God bless you and keep you in his tender care. Uncle Gene was a wonderful, kind man. I will always remember him with great fondness. Love to all, Roland Hannah's daughter Brianna (aka Brenda)
Brianna (Brenda) Sherwood
March 31, 2014
I will truely miss Eugene. So sorry for your loss. I took care of him. He was always so nice. May God be with you in the time of sadness.
Missy
March 11, 2014
Robin and I send our condolences to Aunt Joann, Buck, Vickie and Shelly. Gene had suffered enough here and God knew it was time to call him home. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you. Tell Jabin we are thinking of him as well.
Bruce Everett
March 10, 2014
To the Cunningham family, you are in my thoughts and prayers, Rita Menold
March 10, 2014
Your Dad was one special guy. He was the first to say something kind to someone or just be plain old nice to everyone I saw him meet. He was always kidding me, My brother Joe loved your Dad he always saying you got to watch this guy. Which meant he was all right in his book. God has another good man and we will miss him very much. My prayers go out to you and yours. Sorry for your loss.
Catherine Katy McCann Peoria,IL
March 10, 2014
gene was a long time friend of mine as well as his dad robert. buck, i'll always cherish the memories of our hunting trip to canada. your dad was a fine gentleman and one that i respected highly. you have my deepest sympathy. kenley cordts tomahawk,wi.
March 10, 2014
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