Charles P. 'Charlie' Cunningham Jr., 71

Charles P. “Charlie” Cunningham Jr., 71, passed away Sunday, March 11, 2018, at the Montana Veterans Home in Columbia Falls, due to complications from Parkinson’s.

Charles was born Nov. 26, 1946, in Great Falls to Charles P. Sr. and Ella F. Cunningham. Charlie graduated from Flathead High in 1966 and continued with some vocational training (college) after military service.

Charlie joined the military as a Marine in June of 1966 and served in Vietnam. He was honorably discharged as sergeant, with numerous decorations and medals, in June of 1970.

He married Sharon Bergman (1970) and got remarried to Leona Knopp (1983). He had three daughters, Tina Cunningham of Columbia Falls, Tammy Acord of Great Falls, and Rebecca Cunningham of Hamilton.

Charlie was a heavy equipment operator for the city of Kalispell Street Department for many years. He also drove school bus and worked for the railroad for short times.

Charlie loved hunting, fishing, shooting, camping, the outdoors and going to church and church events.

He was preceded in death by his father and mother; and sisters, Eula Lavic, Charlotte Pelham, Gladys Miller, Bonnie Wolverton, Mary Zoe Favre and Virginia Stammel.

Charlie is survived by his brothers and sisters, Bertha Davidson of Great Falls, Carolyn Bevens of St. Regis, Beverly and Gerald Cuvillier of Trout Creek, Arthur Cunningham and Nancy Waldenberg of Kalispell, and Ronald and Sue Cunningham of Kalispell; grandchildren, Robert Stevens of Kalispell, Destiny Stevens of Hungry Horse, Austin Stevens of Hungry Horse, Shane Parenteau of Springfield, Missouri, Jasmine Parenteau of Springfield, Emmanuel Ward of Helena, Richard Kirkland of Missoula, Isaiah Kirkland of Anaconda, and Tyson Garner of Hamilton; and numerous nieces and nephews and numerous great-nieces and -nephews.

There will be a visitation from 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday, March 18, at Buffalo Hill Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Monday, March 19, at Canvas Church. Burial will follow at Glacier Memorial Gardens Cemetery with military honors. A reception will be held at Canvas Church following the graveside service.

Friends are encouraged to visit the website at www.buffalohillfh.com to leave notes of condolence for the family. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for the family.