George Robert Cunningham

Bob was born December 16, 1932, in Springfield; the son of George and Carrie (Yeaman) Cunningham. He married Judith Ann Elizabeth Helm on March 23, 1989; she preceded him in death on April 24, 2019. Bob was also preceded in death by his parents.

GR, as many called him, was all about his family – always his #1 priority. He was so proud of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Bob was always there to support and celebrate their achievements. Watching his grandchildren’s sporting events and cheering them on, brought him the greatest joy of all. Bob and Judy spent many years traveling around the country, so he could be there on the sidelines for every important event. He also cherished his sister, Barb and brother, Jerry and always took to heart his “big brother” role. Bob was so proud to be a Cunningham.

Outside of his family, his passions included fishing, golfing, hunting, and spending winters in Florida at The Villages with Judy and their many Springfield friends. Friend or relative, Bob was always ready to lend a hand or help in any way he could.

He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army. In the last few years, Bob was able to participate as a veteran in the Land of Lincoln Honor Flight to Washington, D.C., describing the trip as one of the best days in his life. He was employed by CWLP for 36 years where he started his career sweeping coal dust at the power plant. Due to his hard work, dedication, and commitment, Bob rose through the ranks to serve as the Dallman power plant superintendent prior to his retirement in 1992. He took great pride in mentoring young people as they came to work for CWLP and earned the respect of many throughout his career. Bob made many life-long friendships among his CWLP colleagues that still stand today.

He is survived by his son, Bob (wife, Brenda) Cunningham of Auburn; daughters, Kim (husband, Mick; deceased) Rosendahl of Springfield, Pam (husband, Mike) Corrigan of Clinton, and Barb (husband, Ken) Graves of Springfield; step-sons, Granville Helm of St. Louis, MO and Brad Helm of Chicago; eight grandchildren: Zachary, Joshua, Michael, Jackson, Micaela, Joseph, Kelly, and Connor; ten great-grandchildren; siblings, Barbara (husband, Bob) Walbert and Jerry (wife, Fran) Cunningham, both of Springfield; and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral Mass: Family and friends are invited to attend a service at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception at 10:00 am on Friday, January 15. Family and friends may also view the Mass via livestream at https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/61942202 Private family burial will be held at Oak Ridge Cemetery.

To honor GR in the way we know he would like, the family will host a Fish Fry using the last batch of fish he caught, as soon as COVID restrictions are lifted. He so loved our fish fries in the past where he had a chance to see all his family and friends and prepare a good meal for them of crappie and bass he caught himself.

Memorial contributions may be made to: Land of Lincoln Honor Flight, 57 Country Place, Springfield, IL 62703 or online at www.landoflincolnhonorflight.org.

The family is being served by Butler Funeral Home—Springfield, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield, IL.

Please visit butlerfuneralhomes.com to offer your condolences.