Thomas Cunningham

Thomas William Cunningham, a veteran of the United States Navy, passed away on February 19, 2018 in Kingsville, Texas at the age of 71. He was born on March 28, 1946 in Corpus Christi, Texas to Fred L. Cunningham and Alma E. Schneidagle Cunningham. Thomas is preceded in death by both of his parents.

Thomas served 4 years with distinction in the United States Navy as a Hospital Corpsman during the Vietnam War. During his service, he earned several medals, including the Purple Heart, Vietnam Campaign Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal with Combat "V", Vietnam Service Medal, and 4 Bronze Stars. He was awarded other decorations, commendations, citations and campaign ribbons, including a Combat Action Ribbon, Presidential Unit Commendation Ribbon with 1 Bronze Star, Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon, Meritorious Unit Commendation Ribbon, and the Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation. The discipline and patriotism he learned in the US Navy never left him, as friends and family will attest.

Post military service, Thomas returned to Corpus Christi, Texas and went to work in various businesses. Most recently, he retired from First Community Bank where he served as a mortgage loan officer through 2013. Upon retirement, Thomas had over 25 years in the real estate and mortgage industries.

Thomas is survived by his wife of 28 years, Ricki W. Cunningham of Kingsville, Texas; one son, Jared Messenger of San Antonio, Texas; one step-daughter, Connie Luna (Russell) of Bloomfield, New Mexico; two grandchildren, Daymon Luna (Nicci) and Daysha Luna, both of Bloomfield, New Mexico; two brothers, Bobby (Marsha) Cunningham of Hutto, Texas, and Ricky (Connie) Cunningham of Cedar Park, Texas; one sister, Linda Garry (Tom) of Leander, Texas; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of friends.

A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, February 22, 2018 at First United Methodist Church in Kingsville at 3:30 p.m. A Celebration of Life Reception will be hosted at the Salazar Building in Kingsville immediately following the service.

Services are entrusted to Turcotte-Piper Mortuary, 205 General Cavazos Blvd., Kingsville, Texas 78363.

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