Gary Wayne Cunningham

In his early life, Gary assisted his father with multiple businesses, ranging from appliances to groceries to fireworks. At just 18 years old, he followed in his father’s entrepreneurial footsteps and opened his own store, becoming the youngest merchant in Richmond. “Gary’s Novelty Shop” sold everything from toys and novelties to groceries and gas, stating in a local article, “If I haven’t got it, I’ll try to get it.” He had many career accomplishments, starting with a move to Ford Motor Company for the next 17 years, then working as a real estate broker, and on to president of Lenz Machinery where he received many accomplishments for his work. He finished out his career with Ecolab until retirement.

In later years he enjoyed time with many close friends and family in his lake community. Hobbies included fishing, playing cards at the local legion, cheering for the Chiefs, online shopping, writing funny letters, and solving the daily Wordle puzzle with his beloved wife. Gary could always be counted on for his humor and lightheartedness in any situation. As a lifelong Protestant, Gary found guidance and comfort in his faith with God throughout any of life’s trials.

He is survived by wife Sophie Cunningham, children Danny Cunningham and Mark Cunningham, sister Shelia Cunningham, as well as 5 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents Mabel and Albert, sister Gail Kritzer and daughter Karen Akin.

A celebration of life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at Church-Archer-Pasley Funeral Home in Liberty, Missouri. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to Hospice Foundation of America (information below).

Although Gary’s physical presence may no longer grace our lives, may his memory forever be with us. The following note is from his loving wife Sophie:

“My fondest memories of my beloved husband are everything. Every day of the 43 + years I spent with him was precious. He was my best friend, my confidant and soul mate. We shared everything in our lives with each other. He was my go-to person for everything. We never took separate vacations. I never needed space; he was my space. We laughed and cried together, planned, and did things together. I found my soul mate 8,000 miles across an ocean, we truly felt that God had a hand in that. When going out became a problem, we still found ways to enjoy each other. We played cards, did daily devotions, read aloud, and watched movies. We didn’t need extravagant vacations, just being together was enough. I’d do it all over again and not change a thing if the clock could be turned back 43 years. He will be in my heart forever. – Yours forever and always, Sophie (Tosi).”

Request from the Family:

Please bring a story or memory to leave in the Memory Box at the service (cards will be available at the table). Or feel free to leave below in the Memory/Comments section. All stories are welcome, Gary had a great sense of humor, so don’t hold back!

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Memorial Donations:

Hospice Foundation of America

https://hospicefoundation.org/donate/

1707 L St. NW, Suite 220, Washington, DC 20036 (Foundation requests if mailing a donation, please include the form found on their website)