Charles Steven Cunningham passed away at his home surrounded by those who love him most on Monday, March 18, 2024
Steve was 80 years old and lived in Bridgeport, a community that he truly loved. He was born January 2, 1944, in Vincennes, IN to Charles “Red” and Reba (Wood) Cunningham. On June 16,1967, Steve married the love of his life, Judith Lynn Devonshire. They were married in the Chauncey United Methodist Church. For nearly 50 years, they worked side by side and built a beautiful family legacy. Judy preceded him in death on March 30, 2017. Bridgeport was Steve’s community…his life. He loved living here and helping here. He lived his life within Bridgeport with the exception of when he was in college at Purdue and in mortuary school. To list all of his involvements is nearly impossible. He was a member of the 1960 BTHS basketball team that went to the state finals and earned second place behind Marshall High School. That same year the BTHS baseball team made it to the Elite 8 in the state finals. He then went on to Purdue University where he continued to play basketball and baseball. Many knew of his many basketball accolades; however, his baseball career at Purdue continues to be in the record books. He remains in the Top 10 as a Boilermaker pitcher in two categories. Steve was inducted in the IBCA Hall of Fame in 1987. A proud and unique accomplishment of his was to have two of his children inducted into the same Hall of Fame years later. In 1985, he began coaching girls’ basketball for Red Hill High School. He retired in 1997. Steve also served as an Assistant Coach for Vincennes University women’s basketball team. A passion of Steve’s was running, training, and raising beagle hounds. His beagles were widely known as was his “starting pen”. Even in his later years, he maintained his love of the “run”. If you’ve been to a local parade within the last 5 decades, you’ve seen his horses. He enjoyed driving and raising draft horses. He started with Belgians and later transitioned to Percherons. Some of his favorite memories were of going to Waverly, IA for the big draft horse sales. He and Judy absolutely loved going. It would be hard to define Steve without including the Bridgeport Fire Department and Mercy Ambulance Service. His desire to help people was immense. He retired from BFPD after 43 years of being a volunteer fireman. He had served as Assistant Chief and Trustee. He loved the “rush” of helping people. It was his nature. At an early age, Steve knew he wanted to be a funeral director. After attending Purdue University, Steve went to mortuary school and became a licensed funeral director. For nearly 50 years, he and Judy owned and operated Cunningham Funeral Homes in Lawrence County. It was truly a calling for him. Steve was a guy that always had static to give, a honk and a wave, or simply a smile. By definition…a true character! Those left to carry on his legacy: his children- Mandy Wilsey and her husband Gary of Evansville, IN, Meri Martha Smith and her husband Henry of Princeton, IN, Melinda Young and her husband Jason of Bridgeport, and Tom Cunningham of Bridgeport: eight grandchildren- Brock, Brant, and Kane Wilsey, Kamryn and Baron Young, and R.J, J.T. and J.L. Smith. Steve was preceded in death by: his wife- Judy Cunningham: parents- Red and Reba Cunningham: one son- Lance Cunningham: and one daughter in infancy- Melissa Jayne Cunningham. A visitation will be held from 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm at the Cunningham Funeral Home in Bridgeport on Wednesday, March 20, 2024. Funeral services will take place Thursday morning at 11:00 am at the funeral. Steve will be laid to rest at Bridgeport City Cemetery between two of his favorite people, Judy and Lance. Memorial contributions can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital directly or through the funeral home. Online condolences can be sent to the family at www.cunninghamfuneralhomes.com.
