Paul Edward Cunningham

Paul Edward Cunningham, the youngest of nine children born to Alma and Rudolph Cunningham, of Battle Ground, Indiana, passed away on Thursday, December 29, at the age of 83. He leaves behind four adoring sons, David (and Debbie, of Port Clinton, OH), LC (of Madison, WI), Kelly (and Angie, of Palos Verdes, CA), and Clifford (and Lauren, of Madison, WI); eight grandchildren (Nathan, Hannah, Luke, Daryl, Claire, Jack); and six great-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his awesome wife of 57 years, Wanda (Huffstutter, d. 2017), and most of his siblings (DeWayne, John, Bruce, Miriam, Jim, George, and little Mae). His only surviving sibling is his dear sister Edna Pettit, whom he adored, still living in Battle Ground.

For over 50 years, Paul was a faithful and active member of the Fairlawn Church of Christ, Muncie, IN. He taught Bible classes, ministered to the sick and marginalized, served as an elder, and showered all with kindness and encouragement. Paul was also heavily involved in his home community of Matthews, IN, where he and Wanda raised their four boys. Throughout the 70s, he worked tirelessly with the Matthews summer baseball program. He was a volunteer fireman for nine years, and served with the Matthew Historical Society. In the 80s, he and Wanda shifted their energies to the Eastbrook High School Marching Band Auxiliary.

Professionally, Paul loved his time as a mechanical engineer and draftsman. He worked at Pierce Governor (Upland, IN) for several years. He then took a job for AEP, the local utility. Upon retirement, he worked part time with Avis Corp (Upland, IN) and then consulted with KM Specialties (Kansas City, MO). He was proudly fielding support calls until just a couple months before he passed.

Towards the end, Paul knew his body was giving out. He frequently talked about how "things were changing". In September of 2022, he moved to Madison, Wisconsin, to be near two of his sons. His decline was noticeable and irresistible.

Paul asked that no one weep for him. He was ready to go. He had been lonely for a long time, he felt he had done his job, and he was ready for his reward on the other side of the Jordan.

A photographic memorial for Paul can be found at shorturl.at/exEOY.

There will also be an in-person memorial gathering on Saturday, March 4, at the Matthews Town Office, at 816 Wisconsin Ave, Matthews, IN, 46957. Doors open at 9:00a, with formal remarks at 11:30a. Refreshments will be provided, and casual attire is welcome. All are welcome to drop in for a few minutes to pay respects, or stick around and catch up with friends.