Charles Carmen Cunningham

Charles Carmen (Chuck) Cunningham passed away on Friday, September 4, 2026. He was born on July 16, 1940 to Charles and Gladys Pendarvis Cunningham in Peoria, Illinois. Long before he was born, his mother played the piano and sang to him every day. When he was in her womb, she would say, "My son, you are going to be a musician." At age 5 he was taking piano lessons and started playing trumpet when he was nine years old.

He attended the Missouri Military Academy from 1952 to 1958 where he played trumpet in the band all those years. He then attended Bradley University from 1958 to 1964 earning his Masters Degree in Music Education.

Chuck married Paula Jurkovich in 1964 and welcomed three beautiful children: Timothy (deceased), Mike (Ellen) Cunningham of Des Moines, Iowa, and Jill (Dan) Tipton of Peoria, IL. He and Paula later divorced.

Chuck taught band and choir at Dunlap High School for five years. He then taught at Limestone Community High School from 1967 to 1993 during which the band grew from 35 students to 183. Many of those students were chosen to perform at the annual event of the IMEA (Illinois Music Education Association). Several of Chuck's students went on to become music teachers and band directors because of his influence and mentorship. They affectionately called him "Mr. C." He organized the Limestone Band Parents Association in the mid seventies and planned many fun trips and interesting destinations. On one of those band trips, he was introduced to Judy in 1978. They married that same year and blended their families to include Jill Walraven (Bill Jordan) of Peoria and Jeff (Casey) Smith of Bartonville.

Chuck loved being a grandpa to Chad Reiter, Dana Ray, Adam, Evan, and Joseph Cunningham, Dalton Smith, Brooke, Amber, Johnny, and Joey Tipton. His great grandchildren are Renee Filley, Averie and Nolan Messick, and Paxton and Phoenix Reiter. He also had step-grandchildren that he loved as his own.

Chuck became a member of the Peoria 1st Church of the Brethren where he shared his musical gift on many occasions. He played his trumpet for special events including many weddings and funerals. He gave glory to God as he performed on Palm Sunday, Easter, and Christmas. He also was the choir director at St. John Lutheran Church for several years.

Although he retired from LCHS, Chuck continued teaching band at Christ Lutheran and Bartonville Grade Schools. He also taught private lessons at Washington High School, Kidder Music, and at his home.

While playing with the Johnny Kaye Orchestra, Chuck performed on several cruise ships to tropical islands. He made many friends while playing in his own beloved Dixie Band on the Spirit of Peoria riverboat for 18 years. He also played with the Shriners' Circus Band, as well as the Heart of Illinois Fair back-up band for grandstand shows including Bob Hope, the Statler Brothers, and K.C. and the Sunshine Band.

During his career in music Chuck was a proud member of the Peoria Municipal Band, Bill Hardesty Band, The "C" Notes, the Senior Band, the Wilana Vogel Band, and the River Valley Big Band. He especially enjoyed the fellowship with these special groups. While performing with the Peoria Musicians Union Retirees jam session at Independence Village, they brought much joy and entertainment to the residents there. He always enjoyed the gigs at nursing homes in the tri-county area. Many of the residents would tap their toes and sing along to familiar old songs, including hymns.

In his spare time Chuck enjoyed boating and was a member of the Peoria Boat Club. He also loved riding his Honda Goldwing motorcycle, and fishing when time allowed.

The family would like to thank all the kind and compassionate staff at Compassus Hospice, Bickford Cottage, and Holly Brook Memory Care.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be donated to Limestone Community High School Band.

Visitation will be held at Davison-Fulton Woodland Chapel, 2021 North University Street, Peoria, IL 61604, US, on Friday, September 18, 2026, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm.

Another visitation will take place at Peoria First Church of the Brethren 4714 N Sheridan Rd, Peoria, Il 61614 on Saturday 19, 2026 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM with Service from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM.

Online condolences may be left at Davison-Fulton.com