Ira Eugene Cunningham

Ira Eugene Cunningham Beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather Ira E. Cunningham passed away peacefully with his wife at his side on February 18, 2005 in Waco, Texas. Funeral services will be held at Columbus Avenue Baptist Church, Monday, February 21, 2005 at 11:00am with Reverend Ron Durham officiating. Internment will be at Oakwood Cemetery. Friends may pay their respects at the visitation scheduled for Sunday, February 21, 2005, 5-7pm at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey, 6101 Bosque, Waco, Texas. Ira was born February 13, 1919 in Temple, Oklahoma to James Cecil Cunningham and Jennie Wright Cunningham; he was the middle of five children; two brothers and two sisters. Ira was preceded in death by his parents and three of his siblings. He married his high school sweetheart Garnell Beasley on September 6, 1941, and they made their home in Oklahoma. Ira served in the United States Army, stationed in Europe during World War II with the 242nd General Hospital. After the war, Ira was employed with Lefebure Bank Equipment eventually settling in Waco with his family. Later he and his son, Steve, founded American Vault Corporation. Together they grew the venture into a successful business. Working there until his retirement in the mid 1990’s, Ira was a well-respected businessman and colleague. Ira “Papa” Cunningham was a kind, genuine soul with a quick smile and bright eyes always ready to laugh and always ready to tell a story or impart a little advice. He was a gentle, caring man eliciting smiles and hugs whenever he entered a room. Ira enjoyed fishing, hunting, traveling and being with friends. He lived a long, happy life surrounded by a family who loved him very much. He was the family patriarch, the stability and the calm, and his presence and laughter will be forever missed. Lovingly remembered, Ira leaves behind his wife Garnell; sons, Michael E. Cunningham and Stephen J. Cunningham; daughters-in-law Donna Cunningham and Gail Cunningham; granddaughters, Lisa Cunningham, Cristin Cunningham Thomas and her husband Stephen Thomas, Kelly Cunningham, Kate Cunningham and Josie Cunningham; great-grandsons, Trent Thomas and Chase Thomas; sister, Dorothy Reese; nieces and nephews and many friends. The family extends their heartfelt appreciation to his friend and loving caregiver, Teresa Arias. Pallbearers will be Stephen Thomas, Dr. Harry Slade, Bill Russell, Billy Davis, Tommy McWilliams and David Smith. Honorary pallbearers will be Ralph Adams, Joe Brownfield and Dr. Charles Gamble. Memorials may be made to Columbus Avenue Baptist Church, 1300 Columbus Avenue, Waco, Texas 76710 or a charity of choice. The family invites you to leave a message or memory in our “Memorial Guestbook” at www.wilkirsonhatchbailey.com. WILKIRSON-HATCH-BAILEY