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Joliet, Illinois

Elmer Cunningham Obituary

Elmer "Don" Cunningham
Passed away peacefully at his residence, surrounded by his family, Thursday, January 10, 2026 at the age of 84 years. He was the beloved husband of 63 years to Connie S. Cunningham (née Nikirk) and a devoted father to their three children Brent (Yvette) Cunningham, Datha (Brent) Brosam, and Scot Cunningham. Don was a proud grandfather to Devin (Camille) Cunningham, Zachary (Linda) Cunningham, Ellis (Obadiah) Renteria, Landon Cunningham, Calvin (Natasha) Brosam, Bryson Cunningham, Luke Cunningham and Sam Cunningham. He was joyfully anticipating the arrival of a great-granddaughter due in April. Preceded in death by his parents Elmer C. and Mary Cunningham. Don was born May 12, 1941, in Paragould, Arkansas and was raised in Indianapolis, Indiana, where he graduated from Arsenal Technical High School. He dedicated 42 years of service as an aircraft inspector with the General Motors Allison Engine Division, retiring from the Rolls-Royce Civil Aerospace Division. A man of deep faith, Don was a member of Life Church Joliet for the past 25 years and formerly Calvary Tabernacle Church in Indianapolis. While at Calvary, he served as choir director and was a member of the Calvary Four Quartet, with whom he recorded multiple albums. Music, ministry and service were central to Don's life. Don's greatest passion was his dedication to his family, church, and friends. A skilled craftsman with many talents, Don found joy in construction projects, decorating and generously sharing his abilities with anyone in need. Visitation will be held at Life Church Joliet, 714 Bethel Dr., Thursday, January 22nd from 1:00 pm until services at 3:00 pm. Private interment will be held at Woodlawn Memorial Park. Funeral services entrusted to Carlson-Holmquist-Sayles Funeral Home & Crematory. For additional information please call (815) 744-0022 or visit www.CHSFUNERAL.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Herald-News from Jan. 20 to Jan. 21, 2026.

Memories and Condolences
for Elmer Cunningham

Sponsored by Carlson-Holmquist-Sayles Funeral Home.

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Karen (Russell) Kronenberger

January 21, 2026

Loved Donny and his family who were friends of my parents´, David & Neva Russell. I will always remember his tenor voice and how classy he and Connie always dressed - such a loving and sweet couple! Your family is in my prayers.

Clear Skies Bouquet

Brian & Ginger Labat

Sent Flowers

Comfort Planter

Brent & Faith Bozeman

Sent Flowers

Heavenly Blossoms Bouquet VASE INCLUDED

Mr.& Mrs Renteria & Family

Sent Flowers

Sending condolences

January 20, 2026

I'm sorry for your loss.

Ken & Darlene Bailey

January 19, 2026

Your family is in our thoughts and prayers!
Ken & Darlene Bailey

Janeta Liford

January 18, 2026

Our hearts are with this precious family as we reminisce a lifetime of precious memories. Please accept our thoughts, love and prayers of support.

Janeta, josephine, and Jess Liford

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Memorial Events
for Elmer Cunningham

Jan

22

Visitation

1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Life Church

714 Bethel Drive, Joliet, IL 60435

Jan

22

Funeral service

3:00 p.m.

Life Church

714 Bethel Drive, Joliet, IL 60435

Funeral services provided by:

Carlson-Holmquist-Sayles Funeral Home

2320 Black Road, Joliet, IL 60435

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