Gerald L. Cunningham

Gerald L. Cunningham, 85, of East Peoria, passed away at 5:37pm, Monday, September 22, 2014 in his home, surrounded by family. Gerald was born September 17, 1929 in Peoria to Lloyd and Vida Bailey Cunningham. He shared 68 years of marriage with the love of his life, the former Marvalee Wilcox. They were married December 17, 1945 in Kansas City, MO; she preceded him in death in 2012. Surviving are their two daughters, Sherry (Richard Vosberg) Becker of Peoria and Susan (Gregory) Derry of Cuba; three grandchildren, Cary (Karen) Becker of East Peoria, Kimberly (Mark) Watkins of Canton, and Jennifer Derry of Columbia, MO; eight great-grandchildren; three great-great grandchildren; two sisters, and one brother. He was also preceded in death by his parents, 2 sisters, 1 brother, and a great-grandson, Ryan Petefish. Gerald grew up in and attended school in Independence, MO, and returned to this area in the 1940s. He worked for Bower Buick until 1958, before working in claims at AllState Insurance. In 1966, he bought his first business, East Peoria Autobody, which is currently operated by his family, and later purchased three additional autobody shops. An active member and supporter of the community, Gerald served on the school board in Creve Coeur, was a city trustee, and sponsored many local youth sports teams. He was a member of Bethel Memorial Church, Frank N. Nicol Lodge #1170 AF & AM, Elks Lodge #20, and was a lifetime member of the Scottish Rite. In his later years, he indulged his love of golf by owning and operating Wee-Ma-Tuk Country Club in Canton from 1980-1990, and at age 60, he earned his pilot’s license and bought his first plane. He and Marvalee also spent time together traveling abroad extensively and enjoying Lakeland, FL, where they vacationed for 15 years. In life, Gerald was a very humble man from humble beginnings, who cherished his family and friends. He was one of a kind. Visitation will be from 1:00-3:00pm on Saturday, September 27, 2014 at Deiters Funeral Home & Crematory in East Peoria. A tribute to Gerald’s life will begin at 3:00pm following the visitation. Masonic rites will be conferred, and Pastor Paul Isom will officiate. Memorial contributions may be made to Illinois Cancer Care Center or to the Ryan Petefish Trade School Memorial, c/o Mid-America National Bank in Canton.

Gerald L. Cunningham

September 17, 1929 - September 22, 2014