Gene O. Cunningham, 87 of Robinson, Illinois, died at 10:25 a.m. Monday, February 1, 2010 at his residence.
Funeral mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, February 5, 2010 at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church, Robinson with Rev. William Overmann officiating. Burial will be in the Oblong Cemetery with military services conducted by the Am Vets Post #33, V. F. W. Post #4549, American Legion Post #69, and American Legion Post #132. Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Thursday, February 4, 2010 at the Goodwine Funeral Home, Robinson with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m.
He was born July 27, 1922 in Crawford County, IL, the son of John Cunningham and Leona (Hout) Cunningham. He graduated from Palestine High School. He served in the U. S. Army during WWII and received several awards including the Purple Heart, 2 Bronze Stars, Good Conduct Medal and WWII Victory Medal. He was a machinist at Marathon Oil for 35 years until his retirement in 1984. He was a member of the St. Elizabeth Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus, V. F. W. Post #4549 and American Legion Post #69. Gene married Mary I. Arthur on March 29, 1947; she survives.
Gene is survived by his wife, Mary I. Cunningham of Robinson; five daughters, Regina S. (Gary) Lumpp, Shelbyville, Debbie L. (Ron) Granby, Newton, Celina L. (Robert) Goss, Flat Rock, Rita J. Cunningham, Robinson, and Karen A. (Todd) Calvert, Trenton; twenty-one grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; twenty-two great grandchildren; and four step-great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; 1 brother, Roy Cunningham; and 1 sister, Ruth Cunningham.
In loving memory of Gene, memorials may be made to the V. F. W. Post #4549 Transportation Fund.
