Robert D. Cunningham, Jr.

Robert D. Cunningham, 80, from Mt. Carmel, Illinois, peacefully passed away Wednesday, August 5, 2020, at Wabash General Hospital surrounded by his loving daughters.

Bob was born December 8, 1939, the son of Robert D. and Mennidean “Deana” (Morgan) Cunningham, Sr. at Rinard, Illinois.  He was a graduate of Mt. Carmel High School, attended SIU Carbondale and Indiana School of Mortuary Science, graduating with a degree in Funeral Service. Bob proudly served his country in the Army reserves. On September 10, 1960, Bob married the love of his life, Mary Virginia Deputy in Mt. Carmel, Illinois.  She preceded him in death after fifty years of marriage.

Bob owned and operated Short-Cunningham Funeral Homes until his retirement.  He was a licensed funeral director for over fifty years and served Wabash County as coroner for over thirty years. In his retirement Bob was owner and manager of Cherry Oaks apartment complex.

Bob was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church.  He also was a member of Kiwanis, Elks, American Legion, Eagles and Masonic Lodge #239 and Wabash Valley Shrine Club.  Bob served on the Bank of Mt. Carmel Board of Directors and on the Mt. Carmel Library Board of Directors.  He was the founder and Pipe Major of Kyilindi Pipes and Drums and played the bagpipes for many events and funeral services.  Bob enjoyed being with friends at the “round table” for breakfast and having supper with his family.  He most treasured spending time with his children and grandchildren, and boating on the Wabash and White rivers and at Kentucky Lake.  Bob was a very giving person and was a private philanthropist to many.  All that knew Bob, loved him and he will be greatly missed.

Left to cherish Bob’s memory are his daughters Stacey Dunkel and her husband Chris, and Erin Cunningham of Mt. Carmel, Illinois, and Angie Ball and her husband Brian of Kennewick, Washington; grandchildren Cory (Callie) Casburn, Drew (Ashley) Casburn, Katelyn (Levi) Johnson and Courtney (Lewis) Kieffer; greatgrandchildren Brooklyn Faith Casburn, Lillyan Elizabeth Casburn, Ellyanora Cordelia Casburn, Dayvanee Rose Stone, River Elizabeth Casburn, Sawyer Leeann Casburn, Theodore James Johnson, Roman Everet Johnson, Oliver Robert Johnson and Huck Christopher Kieffer; step-grandchildren Derek (Felisha) Ball and Ashlen  (Austin) May; great step grandchildren Bristol Ball, Bronson May and  Wayllen May; and sister Priss (Mike) Parmenter.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents; wife of fifty years, Mary; and brother Patrick Cunningham.

Family and friends may gather for a visitation on Sunday, August 9, 2020, from 2:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Short Funeral Home, 527 N. Mulberry Street.  (Please enter the funeral home through the garage).

A Funeral Mass will take place at St. Mary’s Catholic Church on Monday, August 10, 2020, at 10:00 a.m. beginning with the Rosary prayer service.  Burial will follow at Highland Memorial Cemetery, 1827 College Drive, Mt. Carmel, Illinois.

Memorials can be made to the St. Mary’s Catholic Church Music Department, Residential Hospice or Hope Pregnancy.  Envelopes will be available at Short Funeral Home and St. Mary’s Catholic Church.

Condolences may be made online at www.short-cunninghamfh.com

Short-Cunningham Funeral Home is honored to serve Bob’s family.

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