Joseph Cooper Cunningham

Joseph Cooper Cunningham, age 94, of rural Sumner, Illinois, passed away Thursday, January 01, 2015, at the Good Samaritan Hospital, Vincennes, Indiana. He was born May 25, 1920 in Lukin Township, Illinois, the son of Roscoe David Cunningham and Bessie Cooper Cunningham. He married Eileen Wagner January 2, 1945, and she survives. Cooper was a building contractor, business man, farmer and owner - operator of Mattoon, Oblong, Grayville and Albion nursing homes. He was also co-publisher of The Sumner Press. He was a 94 year member of the Sumner Congregational Christian Church, a World War II Marine veteran, Sumner Saddle Club charter member and a driving force of the Old Settlers Association for over 20 years. Preceding Cooper in death were his parents, sisters and brothers- in- law: Mary Ellen Cunningham, Martha Brookhart, Samuel Brookhart, Robert Simms. Survivors include: his wife of 70 years, Eileen; two daughters, Cinda (Steve) Bell of rural Bridgeport, Jenny (Dan) Pargin of rural Sumner; one brother, Roscoe (Kay) Cunningham of Lawrenceville; one sister, Ruth Simms of rural Bridgeport; four grandchildren, Sarah Griesemer, Seth Pargin, Cooper Bell, Mary-Grace Carlson; six great-grandchildren: Ryann Dae Griesemer, Jack Griesemer, Avi Pargin, Liam Pargin, Norah Pargin, and Joseph Bell. Funeral services will be Monday, January 05, 2015, 2:00 p.m. at the Sumner Congregational Christian Church in Sumner, Illinois. Visitation will be 1:00 p.m. till the service hour of 2 p.m. Burial will be in the Sumner City Cemetery.