Gary E Cunningham

1950 - 2022

Gary E Cunningham passed away on Monday, July 11, 2022. He was 72 years old.
Gary was born on June 21, 1950 in Columbus, Ohio. He enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1969 and served his country for 22 years. He completed Air Force Basic Training in San Antonio, then moved onto Aircraft Maintenance training in Wichita Falls. His first base assignment was Webb AFB in Big Spring, Texas. While stationed in Big Spring he met his "Always and Forever," Mary (Ester). They met in the Webb NCO club and danced the night away. They knew then that they were meant to be and, after a brief engagement, married in Big Spring on July 24, 1971. Before leaving Big Spring they welcomed their first daughter, Jennifer Denise. They moved to Columbus, Ohio, and from there they went on to Altus, Oklahoma, where they welcomed their second daughter, Erin Danielle. While in Altus, Gary transitioned from aircraft maintenance to Public Affairs/Public Relations. The family of four then moved to Okinawa, Japan, and from there they moved on to Carswell AFB in Ft Worth, Texas, where they welcomed their third daughter, Cencia Mariko. While in Texas, he completed a one-year deployment to Korea and upon his return, the family moved to Williams AFB in Arizona. While there they welcomed their fourth daughter, Liann Kari. While in Arizona, he completed another one-year deployment to Korea. Upon returning the now family of six then moved to Hickam AFB in Hawaii. While in Hawaii, he completed a one-year deployment to Thailand. The last base they were stationed at was the USAF Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Retiring from the USAF in 1991, they then moved to Ohio where he worked as Military Contractor out of Wright-Patterson. In 2014, Gary and Ester left Ohio and settled into Ester's home town of Coahoma, Texas, to become full-time retirees. Although he lived in Texas, he was always an avid Ohio State Buckeye fan. Go Bucks!
In addition to his wife Ester; daughters Jennifer (Chris) of Colorado, Erin (Dean) of Colorado, Cencia (Jeremiah) of Ohio and Liann (Cory) of Nevada; Gary is survived by his sisters, Beverly (Ernie), Cheryl (Daryl), Brenda (Bill); his brother, Roger (Vicki) all of Ohio; and his honorary sister Alfalene Walker of Georgia; along with his 10 grandsons, Dylan, Andrew and Conner (Jennifer and Chris), Brandon and Ian (Erin and Dean), Carson, Dawson and Peyton (Cencia and Jeremiah), Landon and Westin (Liann and Cory); and a bonus family, Manuel and Lori Martinez (Coahoma) and their children. Additionally, he leaves behind a large amount of extended family members to include in-laws, nieces and nephews. Thanks to his military career, he always leaves behind friends all across the globe. He was predeceased by his mother, Phoebe Cunningham, and his honorary son, Donny Walker.
A small family gathering will take place on Friday, June 15, 2022, in Coahoma, Texas. Gary's final resting place will be in the Pikes Peak National Cemetery in Colorado Springs, Colorado, with a burial date to be determined.
Arrangements are by Myers & Smith Funeral Home. Pay your respects online at www.myersandsmith.com