Dean Arthur Cunningham

Dean Arthur Cunningham, 90, recently of Bend, Oregon, passed away on October 19, 2025, from complications of Alzheimer's disease. For over 60 years Dean and his wife Barbara resided in greater Oklahoma City and had only recently relocated to Oregon to be nearer to their daughter Cindy.
Dean was born on July 12, 1935, to George and Doris Cunningham in Duluth, Minnesota. After graduating from Minden High School (Louisiana) in 1953, he went on to study mechanical engineering at Louisiana Tech University.
While in college, he worked summers in Washington state in forestry. After graduation, he landed his first job as a mechanical and aerospace civilian engineer with the U.S. Air Force at Tinker AFB in Midwest City, Oklahoma, designing B-52 Stratofortress weapon systems, and career he enjoyed for over 35 years. He married Barbara (Cook) Myers in 1965; she had three young children, Cai, Sean and Nancy, from a previous marriage. Together Dean and Barbara had one daughter, Cindy.
Dean enjoyed drag racing his 1963 Plymouth Fury, taking weekend motorcycle rides, working on cars, and playing bridge. In their retirements, he and Barbara enjoyed traveling in their motor home. Dean was remarkably good at fixing things, and was a tremendous help to Barbara in their gardens.
Dean was preceded in death by his wife Barbara on July 11, 2024; his stepdaughter, Nancy Myers in 1989; his parents George and Doris Cunningham; and his brother-in-law Ray Davis. He is survived by his daughter, Cindy (Eric) Shuman of Bend, OR and his sisters Kay (Bill) Wright of Bossier City, LA and Bette Lou (Dennis) McClure of Humble, TX, as well as four grandchildren, eight nieces and nephews, and their children.
No service will be held at this time. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a donation to Alzheimer's research, for better treatment and a cure. www.alzfdn.org Arrangements handled by Autumn Funerals-Bend. Please visit www.autumnfunerals.com to sign the online guestbook.