Mr. Lloyd "Gene" Cunningham

Lloyd Eugene “Gene” Cunningham, 97, of Columbia passed away on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, at The Neighborhoods. A graveside service for Gene will be held Monday, February 3, 2025, at 1:00 PM at Memorial Park Cemetery, 1217 Business Loop 70 W, Columbia, Missouri 65202.

Gene was born on April 1, 1927, in Rogersville, Missouri the son of Windsor and Eula (Robb) Cunningham. He was raised on a small dairy farm in Southwest Missouri. He enjoyed telling stories about the fun he and his brothers had growing up together. He enjoyed hunting and fishing. He was an outstanding student, a member of the debate team and President of his high school FFA chapter.

In March of 1949 he was united in marriage to Katherine (Taylor) Cunningham who preceded him in death. He served his country in the United States Navy and was stationed in Guam. He earned his B.S. from the University of Missouri. In 1951 he bought a farm in Boone County, a place he would call home for the rest of his life. He raised black Angus cattle, raised crops and worked on all his machinery. He had a 25-year career with the Department of Agriculture where he was the Boone County Director for the A.S.C.S and later the A.S.C.S. State Director under the administrations of Presidents Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford. He retired after serving as an Assistant to the Director in Washington D.C. In 1984 he ran for State Representative and his grandchildren remember seeing their grandpa’s face on signs all around the county. A highlight in his later life was his participation in the Honor Flight program that took him, with other Veterans to our nation’s Capital.

Gene is survived by his children: Connie Browning of Columbia; Michael Cunningham of the Philippines; Rebecca Birr of Marion, Iowa; Martin (Lisa) Cunningham of Montgomery City; one brother: Don (Alba) Cunningham of Galena, Missouri; two sisters in law: Sue Cunningham; Ruby Cunningham; eight grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren and a host of cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; three brothers: Wayne; Glenn and Merle

Memorials are suggested to the Coyote Hill Foster Care Ministries, 1209 E Walnut St, Columbia, MO 65201.