Dateline: Alton
Laverne W. Cunningham, 98, died at 1:28 p.m. Saturday, December 23, 2023 at Jerseyville Manor in Jerseyville. Born August 29, 1925 in Alton, he was the son of Wesley and Margaret (Arbogast) Cunningham. He served in the Merchant Marines and then the U.S. Army during WWII and attended Community of Christ in Wood River. He retired as an electrician for Laclede Steel. On October 15, 1958 he married Marian E. Peeler in Alton. She preceded him in death on June 18, 2013. Surviving is a daughter, Margaret Losch of Godfrey, two sons, Charles Cunningham (Sabrina) of Godfrey, and Richard Cunningham (Stacey) of Wood River, seven grandchildren, Jason Cunningham, Jennifer Losch (Bryan Cress Sr.), Helen Windsor (Kenny), Kelsey Critchfield (Tanner), Jake Cunningham, Meghan Cunningham, and Rachel Campagna (Ethan), seven great grandchildren, Private First Class Warren Losch, USMC, Arwin Losch, Bryan Cress Jr., Keely Windsor, Regan Windsor, Tyler Windsor, and Colter Critchfield, and one great-great grandchild, Levi Windsor, brother and sister-in-law Richard and Dixie Holland of Louisiana, MO and many nieces and nephews. Along with his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by a brother and sister-in-law, Howard and Myrl Cunningham, brother-in-law and sister-in-law Edward and Laverne Cleveland and four nephews. Visitation will be from 4:00-7:00 p.m. Thursday, January 4, 2024 at Gent Funeral Home in Alton where funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. Friday, January 5, 2024. Burial will be at Rose Lawn Memory Gardens in Bethalto with full military honors. Pastor Rick McKane will officiate. Memorials may be made to St. Louis Honor Flight. Online guestbook and information may be found at www.gentfuneralhome.com