Lester Cunningham, son of the late Luther E. Cunningham and Ida Reed Cunningham, was born on November 27, 1921 in Turkey, Arkansas and departed this life at his residence in rural Puxico, Missouri on June 1, 2011 at the age of 89 years.

Mr. Cunningham was a self-employed farmer, a veteran of the United States Army serving in World War II, member of the Dudley Community Church in Dudley, Missouri, and a resident of rural Puxico.

On March 11, 1945 he was united in marriage to Rue Eileen “Punkin” Hendrix in Dudley, Missouri. Mrs. Cunningham preceded him in death on June 17, 2001.

Survivors include two sons and daughters-in-law, Darrell Cunningham and Sheila of Dudley, Missouri and Danny Cunningham and Sandra of Dexter, Missouri; by one daughter, Angela Gregory of Dexter; by four grandchildren, Jason Gregory, Ashlie Shipman, Shelly Leonard, and Matthew Cunningham; by two step-grandchildren, Aaron Ellsworth and Summer Kern; also by two great-granddaughters, Emma and Elizabeth.

Besides his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by one son, Micheal Cunningham, one son-in-law, Cate Gregory; by four brothers, Chester Cunningham, James Cunningham, Ray Cunningham, and Rex Cunningham; by five sisters, Pauline McKuin, Nerine Hamilton, Joy Long, Anna Lea Mansbridge, and Fern Patrick.

Friends may call at the Rainey-Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter from 5 until 8 p.m., Friday June 3, 2011. Funeral services will be conducted on Saturday June 4, 2011 at 9 a.m., in the Rainey-Mathis Funeral Chapel in Dexter with Rev. Ryan Helton officiating. Interment will follow in the Dudley Cemetery.

Rainey-Mathis Funeral Home in charge of services.