Captain Steve Cunningham

1955 ∼ 2008

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Captain Steve R. Cunningham, 52, of Orange, died Saturday, March 15, 2008, at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Beaumont.

Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, March 19, 2008, at Claybar Funeral Home Chapel in Orange, with Reverend Lynn Ashcraft and Reverend Scott McIntosh, officiating.

Burial will follow at Autumn Oaks Memorial Park in the McLewis Community.

Visitation will be 5-9 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.

Born in Pineville, Louisiana on September 28, 1955, he was the son of Howard and Doris Bradburn Cunningham.

Captain Steve was a Towboat Captain for 35 years and was currently employed with Blessey Marine Services in New Orleans.

Steve was a 1974 graduate of Vinton High School. For 35 years, he was a United States Coast Guard 7th Issue Licensed Merchant Marine Officer. He was Master of Towing Vessels upon great lakes, inland water and western rivers. He was a radar observer with tank barge certification for loading dangerous, bulk, flammable and combustible liquids. He covered 22 states by water and loved every minute of it.

Captain Steve was a member of North Orange Baptist Church and the Harley Davidson Hogg Chapter 4974 in Beaumont. He loved NASCAR, Harleys, his red '66 Chevy truck and being at home with his family.

Steve was preceded in death by his parents, Howard and Doris Cunningham, and brother, Paul Cunningham.

A loving and devoted husband and father, Steve is survived by his wife, Jan Pring Cunningham; daughter, Erin Lee Cunningham, both of Orange; brothers and sisters-in-law, Charles and Virginia Cunningham of Orange, Robert Cunningham of Denver, Colorado, Peter and Janice Cunningham of Levelland, William Bill Cunningham of Vinton, Louisiana; sisters and brothers-in-law, Aleta and Wayne Tharpe, Lillie and Grant Becker, Janet and Daniel Keeling, all of Vinton; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.

Captain Steve's fellow Towboat Captains will serve as pallbearers and his friends and co-workers at Blessey Marine Services will serve as honorary pallbearers.

Those wishing to do so may make memorial contributions to United Way Children's Fund or to the Diabetes Association.

Condolences

Anonymous March 19, 2008

Igoing to miss your stories we have had over the years had alot of good laughs above all I will miss a good friend.##imported-begin##George D. Mickey##imported-end##

Anonymous March 18, 2008

To the Cunningham family, my thoughts and prayers are with you. I was fortunate enough to meet and form a friendship with Steve and his wife in the ER. A great loss for his family and friends.##imported-begin##Mike Bombassi##imported-end##

Anonymous March 17, 2008

so sorry wish i could be there##imported-begin##henry clair##imported-end##

Anonymous March 17, 2008

##imported-begin##Michael Dannelly##imported-end##

Anonymous March 17, 2008

Fair winds Shipmate, and following seas.##imported-begin##Chris Cunningham##imported-end##

Anonymous March 17, 2008

We are so sorry to hear about Steve .He was our shipmate in all the water ways .We thought alot of him could talk with him on the raido and always ready to have good words with him.He was always loving and caring to everyoneand always had something good ##imported-begin##Jackie/Deanie Hudson##imported-end##

Anonymous March 17, 2008

Jan we are sorry to hear about Steve he will be a shinning star in heaven.He was a good friend to everyone.I knew him through Jackie.But wont ever forget his smile and kind ways.Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.May god bless you and y##imported-begin##Jackie /Crolyn hudson##imported-end##

Anonymous March 17, 2008

I've known Steve since I was a teenager. Although we didn't get together, we talked often while we were out on the boats. He was a great guy and an excellent Captain, and we will all miss him.##imported-begin##James Chatlosh##imported-end##

Anonymous March 17, 2008

Jan and family - I just want to express my sadness and sorrow. May God comfort and lift everyone in his graces during this time. Love you. Gail Beach##imported-begin##Gail Chevallier Beach##imported-end##

Anonymous March 17, 2008

My sweet family, I was so saddened by the news of Steve. He was a blessing to Me during Momma's illness, with calls of encouragement and offers of help. Our prayers are for God's strength for you all. May God hold you in the palm of His hands during this##imported-begin##Margaret Koonce##imported-end##

Anonymous March 17, 2008

Steve was a kind soul & was well loved by his family. My condolences & prayers are with you.##imported-begin##Winafred White Hubbard##imported-end##

Anonymous March 17, 2008

jan and erin we are so very sorry to hear the loss of steve our thoughts and prayers are with you. he was always willing to lend a helping hand.he will be missed by all that knew him. our sincere condolences from the m/v capt j a morgan##imported-begin##PAUL HEBERT##imported-end##

Anonymous March 17, 2008

jan and erin . very sorry to hear of your great loss . the " big " guy will surely be missed as a true friend and an awesome " CAPTAIN " . did not hesitate to tell me years ago . if no one else would train me for the wheelhouse , he definitely would . wil##imported-begin##Parion Mims##imported-end##

Anonymous March 17, 2008

Jan, Erin, Charles, Aleta, Robert, Pete, Lilly, Bill and Janet< Raymond and I are so very sorry for your loss. Steve always tickled me so much when he would stop by the few times he was traveling thru this area. When I was experincing the healh problem##imported-begin##Jackie Chevallier Rouse##imported-end##

Anonymous March 17, 2008

As a member of his HOG family...God bless the entire Cunningham family.##imported-begin##Lisa Russell##imported-end##

Anonymous March 16, 2008

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of sorrow. Sorry we can not make it down to be with you. Uncle Tommy and Aunt Sue##imported-begin##Thomas H Cunningham##imported-end##

Anonymous March 16, 2008

Dear Jan, Erin and family, On behalf of the Cowboy HOG Chapter, I offer our deepest sympathy with your loss of Steve. May God bless and comfort each you. Sandra Womack Director Cowboy HOG Chapter #4974##imported-begin##Sandra Womack##imported-end##