V.A. 'Sam' Cunningham

Monday, February 25, 2002

ARAPAHOE -- V.A. "Sam" Cunningham, 87, died Friday (Feb. 22, 2002) at his home in Arapahoe.

He was born March 3, 1914 to Alvin and Mary Elizabeth (Harter) Cunningham at Giltner. He attended country school near Giltner for four years until the family moved to Beaver City where he graduated with the class of 1931. He worked at the Beaver City Butter Factory and in 1934, he and a partner purchased the Cambridge Butter Factory.

On Nov. 15, 1936, he married Helen Heisleman in Cambridge. In 1946, they moved to Arapahoe where they owned and operated Cunningham Feed, Seed & Produce.

He was a member of the United Methodist Church of Arapahoe, the Arapahoe City Council, School Board, and Chamber of Commerce. He also served on the Nebraska Republican State Commission and Chairman of Furnas County Republican Central Commission.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, James; and one sister, Eilien Exline.

Survivors include his wife, Helen of Arapahoe; one son, John of Arapahoe; sister-in-law, Faye Loreen Lockenour of Arapahoe; six grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be Tuesday, 10:30 a.m., at the First United Methodist Church in Arapahoe with Rev. Hyeongdong Baek officiating. Burial will be in the Arapahoe Cemetery.

Visitation will be today until 8 p.m. at Williamson-Wenburg Funeral Home in Arapahoe and prior to services Tuesday at the church.

Williamson-Wenburg Funeral Home of Arapahoe is in charge of arrangements.