Thomas Edward Cunningham

Thomas Edward Cunningham passed away peacefully at home on January 22, 2024. Born July 8, 1956, to Edward and Ida Cunningham in Allegan, Michigan, he spent his rowdy youth with his large family in Parchment, Michigan. He enjoyed participating in high school football and wrestling, and in shop class where he learned skills that served him throughout his career and life.

Tom is survived by his wife, Christina (Bargo); son, Kyle; daughter, Cara; sisters, Diane Cunningham, Cheryl Jannenga, Deb Sylvain, and Laurie Kipp; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, and brother, Robert Cunningham.

Tom was proud to serve in the United States Army after high school as a tank turret repairman. He has many stories of friends and adventures from his time in the military. After returning to Michigan, he took a job at NAARCO Aluminum, where, over the next 40 years of service, he outlasted multiple changes in ownership, advancing from machine operator to maintenance and repair, finally retiring from SAPA Aluminum when the factory closed in 2020.

The joy of Tom’s life was his family, and after marrying Christina in 1995, he was blessed by the birth of his son, Kyle, in 1998, and daughter, Cara, in 1999. Despite a demanding work schedule, he began serving as Kyle’s Scout leader from Tiger Club through Eagle Scout. It meant the world to Tom to be part of the scouting experience of so many boys over the years, and he valued his friendships with fellow adult leaders. He also enjoyed camping, family trips, Michigan football, Tigers baseball, telling stories, and helping his family with whatever he could do for them. He especially loved a challenging hunt, from morel mushrooms to the sought-after toys on Black Friday, and he enjoyed TV series about treasure hunting, which appealed to his practical problem-solving nature and his dreamer’s optimism that amazing things are just waiting to be discovered.

Tom was a loyal friend, a loving family man, and a dedicated employee. Content with a simple life, he touched many lives, and we are blessed to have shared in the story of his life.

Tom’s family will be gathering in remembrance of his life on Saturday, January 27, 2024, at Langeland Family Funeral Homes Burial and Cremation Services, 622 S Burdick St, Kalamazoo, Michigan 49007, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Those wishing to make a donation in Tom’s honor may do so at SPCA of Southwest Michigan. To leave an online condolence, visit https://www.langelands.com.