Alan Cunningham

Alan Cunningham passed away March 24th, 2016. He was born in San Antonio, May 24th, 1946 to Loretta Wolf Cunningham and the late John W. Cunningham. Alan was a Vietnam era Navy Veteran and retired from the San Antonio Fire Department. He was a member of the first paramedic class of SAFD and remained a paramedic for the last 28 years of his 33 year career. Alan was also chief of the Spring Branch Volunteer Fire Department for 15 years and with Dr. Larry Miller, founder of the Spring Branch EMS. A lifelong builder and racer of vintage hot rods, Al founded the South Texas Chapter of Inliners International; a group dedicated to the superiority of inline 4, 6, and 8 cylinder engines. For many years Alan raced competitively at the speed trials on the Utah Salt Flats campaigning the '29 Ford Modified Roadster that he built, setting and holding his record for two years. He was known for his willingness to help other racers including his direct competition. Al was instrumental in restoring a 1927 American LaFrance Junior Pumper for the San Antonio Fire Museum. He will be deeply missed by Edison Alumni members of Al's Lunch Bunch and all attendees of the infamous Spring Banquets. Alan is survived by his wife of 44 years, Rhonda Boren Cunningham and his daughter Casey Cunningham. He is also survived by: his mother Loretta Wolf Cunningham; sisters and brothers, Jeanne Wolverton (Van), Susan Heaton, Glenn Cunningham (Rhonda), Steve Cunningham (Connie). Rhonda's brothers, Bobby Boren (Gracie), Kenny Boren, Glenn Boren (Kathy), and sisters-in-law Jody Boren and Melba Riedel. Alan was predeceased by Homer and Darrel Boren. A large and growing group of nephews, nieces, grand nephews and nieces, cousins and friends were blessed by his presence. Alan had many "Brothers from Other Mothers" including: Dale Davis, Artie Dietel, Charly Harpole, Kris Castillo, Keith Young, Larry Law, Hector Moreno, Jay Little, Elder Most Senior Brother Captain Jack Jung, and many others in fire departments and car clubs. Not naming them all does not exclude them from a large fraternity. Special thanks to CIMA Hospice, Jennifer Gomez R.N. and all the aides who assisted Alan and his family. Additional thanks to the many retired SAFD paramedics who offered their time to aid Alan and his family. Memorial donations may be made to the charity of your choice or to: CIMA Hospice of Central Texas Save the Salt Foundation dedicated to preserving and maintaining the land speed sites on the Utah salt flats. Burned Out Survivors Fund" aiding victims of fire loss. A celebration of Alan's life will be held at a later date.