CUNNINGHAM
Max LeRoy Cunningham, 83, of Lomax, Illinois, passed away at 5:25 a.m. Tuesday, October 31, 2023 at Birkwood Village in Fort Madison, Iowa.
Max was born September 1, 1940, at home, near Sciota, Illinois, the son of Kemper and Olka (Tharpp) Cunningham. On August 14, 1976 he married Carol Hartman Gapen at the First Christian Church in Dallas City. She survives.
Mr. Cunningham was a 1958 graduate of LaHarpe High School and served in the U.S. Army following high school. He worked as a truck driver all of his life. He began his career with Truck Transport before beginning a 32 year career with Winegard Company in Burlington. He received an award for driving 2 million miles safely. Following his retirement he drove truck for many local farmers. His CB Handles were Streak & Squirrel.
He was a member of the NRA, LaHarpe American Legion and a 43 year member of Burlington Moose Club. He enjoyed participating on the Yellow Rose Saloon’s Pool Team and was an avid collector of guns.
Besides his wife, he is survived by two children: Theresa (Tammy Hayburn) Middleton of Monmouth, Illinois and Rod (Patty) Cunningham of Coal Valley, Illinois; two grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and one sister: Paula Cunningham of West Burlington.
He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister: Carol Kurth.
The funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, November 4, 2023 at Banks & Beals Funeral Home in Dallas City with Pastor Maxine Dennison officiating. Burial with Military Rites by the LaHarpe American Legion will follow in Crane Cemetery, near Lomax.
The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. until time of services Saturday at the funeral home.
A memorial fund has been established for the LaHarpe American Legion. To leave an online condolence for the family, please visit Max’s obituary at
banksandbeals.com.
