Richard Wayne Cunningham

Richard Wayne Cunningham, 76, of Chatham, passed away peacefully on October 17, 2017, at St. Johns Hospital, with his family by his side. He was born September 10, 1941, in Springfield to Joseph and Evelyn Hackwith Waybright. He was preceded in death by his parents, first wife, Kay Jean Taylor Cunningham, and stepson, Frank Alexander Melton. He married Margaret Craft Melton August 9, 1997. Richard worked for IDOT retiring in 2002 as Director of Training after 25 years of service. He was a devoted member and former deacon of Southern View Church. He was a devoted father and coached youth baseball for the Fairview Athletic Association for many years. An avid golfer, Richard played on the Senior League at Edgewood until mid-July, 2017. He will be greatly missed by his wife of 20 years, Margaret; sons, Pastor David (Kathy) Cunningham of Palmyra, PA, Douglas (Linda) Cunningham of Chatham, Daniel (Lisa) Cunningham of Tuscola; daughter, Dana (George) Brown of Divernon; stepsons, Mark S. (Noriko) Melton of Japan and Roderick S. (Marian) Melton of Foley, MO; step daughter-in-law, Regina Gentry of Cedar Hill, MO; 18 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; brother, Donald (Phyllis) Cunningham of Chatham; sister, Judy (Cliff) Clement of Springfield; nieces and nephews. His family will greet friends from 10 am until the time of the funeral ceremony at 12:30 pm, Saturday, October 21, at Southern View Chapel, 4500 South 2nd Street, Springfield, IL, 62703, with Pastor Gary Gilley officiating. Burial will follow at Chatham Memorial Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Southern View Chapel.