Richard M. Cunningham

Richard M. Cunningham, 85, of Bartonville, Illinois, passed away Monday, January 29, 2018 at his residence surrounded by his loving family. He was born on June 22, 1932 in Peoria to Ralph and Flo (Malcolm) Cunningham. He married Donna J. Johnson on October 18, 1952 in Peoria. She preceded him in death on September 27, 2014 in Bartonville. He was also preceded in death by one grandson, Michael Penn, two son-in-laws, Donald Bradford and Randy Wiebler and one great grandchild.

He is survived by four children; Janice (Jim) Gruber and Sue Bradford both of Bartonville, Jeff Cunningham of Hanna City, Illinois and Dona Wiebler of O’Fallon, Missouri; eight grandchildren, fifteen great grandchildren and one great-great grandson; one sister-in-law, Joane Johnson of Grover, Wyoming and several nieces and nephews.

Richard worked at Keystone Steel and Wire Company for several years and then worked at the I.B.E.W. Local 34 for many years retiring in 1993. He was an Army Veteran of the Korean Conflict, receiving the Korean Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, National Defense Medal and two Purple Hearts. He was a past Mayor of Bartonville, serving from 1977 to 1981 and 1993 to 1997. He was a member of the Bartonville American Legion Post 979, Masonic Lodge and a former member of the Hanna City Sportsman’s Club and the VFW of Bartonville. He raced stock cars for several years at the Mt. Hawley Race Track. He was an avid Cardinal fan and enjoyed hunting and fishing. He enjoyed spending many summers at Kentucky Lake.

Funeral services will be at 10 am Saturday, February 3, 2018 at the Davison Fulton Bartonville Chapel. Visitation will be Friday from 6 pm until 8 pm at the funeral chapel. Burial will be in the Lutheran Cemetery in Peoria. Memorials may be made to Unity Point Hospice. You may create an online condolence at www.davison-fultonbartonvillechapel.com.