Melvin John Cunningham

Melvin John Cunningham son of Raymond and Stella (Blanchette) Cunningham was born on Sept.24, 1933 in Aberdeen, South Dakota.  He enlisted in the US Navy at the age of 19 in 1952 and served until 1956, serving in the Korean War on the battleship New Jersey.  In 1954 he married Rosella Hanson in Aberdeen, South Dakota raising five children.  After getting out of the navy the family moved to Washington State where Mel worked for Boeing for 38 years.  When retiring Mel and Rose began camping, fishing, and traveling throughout the states.  He is now at peace and with the love of his life and other family members.  He will be dearly missed.  Melvin is survived by daughters, Sharon (Virgil) Netzer and Kathy Newton and son Richard Cunningham.  Seven grandchildren and numerous great and great great grandchildren.  Sisters Sharon (Gary) Kraft and Shirley (Chuck) Manning and several nieces and nephews.  Preceded in death by his wife of 59 years Rosella.  Sons Timothy and Melvin Jr., parents Raymond and Stella, siblings: Marge, Lloyd, Albert, Don, Vern, and Calvin (Bud).