Ivan Dale Cunning

Ivan Dale Cunning, a beloved, humorous, and hard-working individual, passed away on January 27, 2026, at the age of 80. Born on June 19, 1945, in Renton, Washington, to Ivan Forrest Cunning and Velma B. (Younkin) Cunning, Ivan was known for his honesty, faithfulness, and adventurous spirit. He resided in Kansas City, Missouri.

Ivan graduated from Van Horn High School in Independence, Missouri. He served as a veteran of the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam Conflict, stationed on the U.S.S. Ajax in Japan. His career included employment with Wonder Bread of St. Joseph, MO, ADM Milling of North Kansas City, and he retired from The Water Doctor of St. Joseph in 2011.

In 1966, Ivan married Dorothy Marie Cramer, and they shared 59 years of devoted marriage. He is survived by his wife Dorothy; daughter, Tonya Marie Griffin and her husband, Sonny; son, Ivan Francis Cunning and his wife, April; grandchildren, Ashley Rogers and her husband, Charlie, Ivan Dean Cunning and his wife, Stephanie, Marlina Cunning, and Ryan Cunning; and great-grandchildren, Avery, Emmalyn, Allie, Amara, Ivan Faol'an, and Issei. He is also survived by his siblings, Tom Cunning, Linda Brockman, Larry Cunning, Vicki Cooper, Sandy Jackson, Lunetta Lunceford, Nina Keller, and Tena Pool. Ivan was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Jerry Cunning, Peggy Cunning, and Joyce Greathouse.

Ivan enjoyed fishing, hunting, golfing, and playing poker. He was a long-time member of Briarcliff Church, formerly Northgate Baptist Church, and a golf member of The Club at Marimack in Kearney, MO.

In lieu of flowers, contributions are suggested to Briarcliff Church, 800 NE Vivion Rd, Kansas City, MO 64118.