Obituary: Charles Russell Cunningham

Charles Russell Cunningham was born in Grove, Oklahoma on April 18, 1937, to his parents Ashley Russell Cunningham and Idabell (Weston) Cunningham. He has one brother David Ray Cunningham. They moved to Oregon in 1940 then back to Oklahoma during World War two, only to return to Oregon in 1947.

He went to several schools in the Hood River Valley and graduated from Wy' East High School. Right out of Highschool he started at Neal Creek Sawmill, pulling green chain, then Champion Lumber and retired as head sawyer at Hanel’s Lumber.

He was married to Vonna Rake and had 3 daughters, Cari Reuther (Mike), Lori Jansen (Kirk), Mitzi Hurt (Charles). They divorced and he later met and married the love of his life Lilliam Fern (Wade). She brought to the family Cindy Roundtree (Jeff), John Bible, Cathy Walls (Norman).

He had a lifelong love of woodworking, going fishing, horses, motorcycles, ATVs, going to the beach and casino. He loved Boxer dogs and left behind Sam and Molly his two boxers and all of his children.

He was preceded in death by his wife, parents, two sons-in-law and one grandson. He has 11 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild.

A celebration of life will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, November 18, 2021, at Anderson's Tribute Center with a graveside at Pine Grove Butte Cemetery following his service.

Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center (Funerals • Receptions • Cremations) 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031. Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family.