Dale Edward Cunningham

Our dedicated servant of God, husband, father, brother, uncle, cousin, grandfather, and friend, Dale Edward Cunningham went to be with his Lord on August 2, 2017. Dale was born on April 16, 1931 in Wichita, Kansas to Carl Jay Cunningham and Mattie Fern Turner. He was the middle child to his elder brother, Carl Dwayne and younger sister, Margaret Bailey. At the age of three, Dale experienced the death of his mother, Mattie Fern. The Cunningham children were placed in an orphanage until Carl Jay remarried, Dorothy, whom Dale considered his mother. On April 28, 1948, at the mere age of 17, Dale enlisted with the US Navy. He would go on to serve aboard ship 402 Rocket in the Korean War as a cook and a gunner's mate. Dale was honorably discharged on September 10, 1951, but his cooking skills would last his lifetime. Dale was known to make a gourmet meal out of scraps and leftovers. Shortly after his discharge, he met the love of his life, Betty Ellis. They married and raised five children, Sheena, Donald, Charles "Charlie", Franklin "Frank" and Nancy. Dale's priority was the family. In 1957, they purchased their first home in La Mirada, CA and stayed there until 1976. He was very involved in the community, leading Cub Scouts, volunteering at the local VFW, coaching baseball and maintaining the fields all while working full time for the sheet metal worker's union 105, so that Betty could stay home and be a housewife. His son Charlie would follow in his footsteps, working for the same company that Dale started with. Growing up, the Cunningham children have fond memories of the many camping and boating trips their father would lead them on. His passion for coaching would continue on, after his children stopped playing, he continued to volunteer. Many holidays, Dale would find a stranger at the VFW, per Betty's request and invite them home for dinner. His pride for a beautiful yard would extend out to helping his neighbors tend yard, by mowing it for them. Dale and Betty would pastime by playing on the neighborhood adult volleyball team, United Nations. The Cunningham's accepted the Lord, Jesus Christ as their personal Savior in 1972 and became very involved with their church. His love for music would shine through his praise and worship for Jesus. His passion for music was a big part of his life, he sang with The Old Time Fiddlers and the Sunshine Group. His music was sure to brighten any gathering. Dale always supported Betty, throughout all of her endeavors. Once they were empty nesters, she took on crafting and he helped in every aspect that he could. When he couldn't help her with her hobbies, he helped her with her day to day care. He was the epitome of a caregiver. Caring for Betty became his fulltime job. You could see the enormous amount of love he held for his bride, no matter what the day brought on. Dale was our "Popeye the Sailor Man", resilient in all of life's obstacles, a true man of integrity, faith and family, one who's life's purposes made everyone's day brighter. Dale is preceded in death by his mother, father, brother, sister and wife. He is survived by his five children, Sheena (Eldee Hurd), Donald (Cindy), Charlie (Joey), Frank, Nancy (Mark Marlow), 12 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, two great great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and friends. You are invited to view his online guestbook at, www.HeritageMemorialChapel.com . Arrangements are in the care of Heritage Memorial Chapel, East Wenatchee.

Dale Edward Cunningham

April 16, 1931 - August 2, 2017