Delmer (Del) David Cunningham, Jr.
December 12, 1939 – February 14, 2023
Together again
Delmer (Del) David Cunningham Jr., our father, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle, brother. and friend passed away February 14, 2023 surrounded by his loving family. He was reunited on Valentine’s Day with his eternal sweetheart and the love of his life, Alice Ruth Cunningham.
Del, the second oldest of seven children, was born December 12, 1939, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Delmer David Cunningham Sr., and Ella Rebecca Fisher. Del and his family moved to Southern California shortly after his birth, and is where he spent his childhood and formative years.
Upon completing his education, Del was proud to serve his country as a member of the United States Navy, as petty officer 3rd class, serving as a radar man aboard the USS Helena and Turner Joy.
After his military service, Del went to work for the United States Forest Service, where he was a Heli-tack foreman. During his time in the United States Forest Service, Del met a beautiful young woman in the small logging town of Johnsondale, California, Alice Ruth Culbreth. They fell in love and were married in the fall of 1966. Del and Ruth spent the early years of their marriage in Kernville and Long Beach, California where the Cunningham family grew to include seven boys and one girl. They were sealed for eternity in the Los Angeles Temple on October 19, 1974. The family then moved to Utah, settling in Brigham City as their home.
Del’s passion and life’s calling was his family, as he devoted his life to providing, caring for, rearing, teaching and inspiring his children. Del was a selfless father, always making sure the needs of his family were met. He labored diligently to provide for his large family, utilizing his many talents as a small business owner, engineer and leader. Del served in law enforcement, in both active and volunteer capacities with units in California and Utah. He ultimately retired from Alliant Tech Systems culminating a successful career, and transitioned to his favorite new career as Grandpa “Papa!”
Del loved the outdoors and enjoyed traveling with his family. As a family, they made many amazing memories fishing, camping, hiking and enjoying God’s creations. Del loved sports. He played football and ran track in his youth, and later was involved as a coach on his son’s youth teams, and as a volunteer coach on many other teams where he impacted and influenced the lives of young men for good. He loved to watch his children play sports, and spent countless hours on football fields and baseball diamonds, watching and supporting his children and grandchildren.
As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Del served faithfully in many callings and was an example of righteousness to many. He especially enjoyed fulfilling a mission with his sweetheart at the Heber Valley Girls Camp. Del loved the temple and served faithfully until the time of his passing, first as an Ordinance worker at the Ogden, Utah Temple and later as the Assistant Recorder at the Brigham City, Utah Temple.
Del was at his best as a father, and was blessed to watch his posterity grow to number 40 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.
Del was preceded in death by his sweetheart Alice Ruth, parents Delmer Sr., and Ella Rebecca, his sister Renee and his brother Dennis.
Del is survived by his children: Autie (Luwen), Delmer David III (Teddy), James F. (Dani), Christopher L (Serena), Robert J (Lori), Aaron J (Sarah), Michael L (Andrea), and daughter Rebecca A. (Ray) Marston, sisters Yvonne, Tona, Cynthia, and his brother Bruce. 40 Grandchildren and 12 Great Grandchildren.
Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, February 21, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at the Brigham City 24th Ward Chapel, 650 Anderson Drive, Brigham City, Utah. Viewings will be held the night before on Monday, February 20, 2023, from 6:00 8:00 p.m. at Myers Mortuary, 205 South 100 East, Brigham City, Utah, and prior to the service on Tuesday from 9:30 10:30 a.m. at the church. Interment will be in the Brigham City Cemetery.
Condolences to the family may be expressed at www.myers-mortuary.com.