John Patrick "Pat" Cunningham

John P. “Pat” Cunningham passed away on March 13, 2021 in Sugar Land, Texas. Pat was born on March 26, 1932 in Opelousas, Louisiana. He is preceded in death by his father William H. Cunningham, mother Virginia St. Cyr Cunningham, brother William H. Cunningham Jr., and sister Virginia Bordelon. He was a Naval Veteran of the Korean War serving from 1951 through 1954 as an engineer on a mine sweeping vessel. After leaving the service Pat attended USL (presently University of Louisiana at Lafayette) where he met and married his college sweetheart, Tesa Van Norman. He received a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering and began working for Transcontinental Gas Pipeline known as Transco, for 33 years. In the early years of his career he worked along the pipelines and the family moved 11 times in 8 years before settling in Houston, Texas. Pat and Tesa enjoyed their years with Transco and all the lifelong friendships that were made. For the past 26 years they have resided in Sugar Land and were very active in the Greatwood Retirees Group.

Pat was an avid duck hunter, fisherman, cook, runner, photographer, world traveler and even dabbled in gardening and painting. He was able to fix just about anything and spent many hours working on cars and repairing mechanical devices. He loved telling tall tales of his fishing adventures and any story that would make his friends and family laugh. Pat was an active member of Sugar Land First United Methodist Church, and he enjoyed the friendships he made through Tuesday Morning Volunteers and his Sunday School class. He will be remembered for his wonderful sense of humor, Cajun cooking, love for his family and country, integrity, mentorship and always making everyone feel welcomed.

Pat loved to attend musicals, the symphony and supporting all his grandchildren’s activities. Pat spent many hours at baseball games, dance recitals, football games, band competitions, soccer games, award ceremonies, piano recitals, and cheer competitions. He was so proud of all his grandkids and was able to see them all graduate from college. They know how much he supported them in all their endeavors.

Pat is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Tesa Cunningham, by his three daughters, Brenda Hethcoat and husband, Dennis, Deborah McGrew and husband, Ed, and Patricia Levy and husband, Steve. He is also survived by his 5 grandchildren, Laura and Brian Hethcoat, Samantha Mitton, and Rebecca and Michael Levy and 3 step grandchildren, Erik, Evan and wife Stephanie, and Ian McGrew.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made in Pat’s honor to the American Kidney Fund or Disabled American Veterans.