Donald Joseph Cunningham, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, veteran, Texas Aggie (’62), civil engineer, businessman, and faithful servant of Christ, passed away peacefully on June 15, 2026, at the age of 92.

Born on February 10, 1934, Don lived a life defined by faith, integrity, service, and an unwavering devotion to his family. While attending Marshall Junior High School in Houston, Texas, he met Norma Wade, the love of his life. Their friendship grew into a lifelong partnership, and on March 5, 1954, they were married at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, just before Don's deployment to Korea with the United States Army.

Don and Norma’s marriage endured for more than 71 years and served as an example of love, commitment, and faithfulness to all who knew them. Following Norma's passing in 2025, Don often reflected on how blessed he had been to share a lifetime with her. Less than a year later, he was reunited with his beloved wife.

After completing his military service, Don and Norma settled in Mineral Wells, Texas, where their first daughter, Sherry, was born. In 1956, they moved to Bryan-College Station, where Don pursued a degree in Civil Engineering at Texas A&M University. During their years there, daughters Laurie and Lisa joined the family. Following his graduation in 1962, the family relocated to Ponca City, Oklahoma, and later to Oklahoma City, where Don built a successful business and where four more children were born: Stacy, Donnie, Scott, and Brad.

In 1981, Don and Norma moved to Austin, Texas, where they spent many wonderful years raising their family, building lifelong friendships, and serving their community. In 2016, they became residents of Crestview at Arbor Oaks Retirement Community in Bryan, Texas. Don cherished his years at Arbor Oaks and deeply valued the friendships and relationships he formed there. The community became an extension of his family, and he found great joy in the fellowship, laughter, and daily conversations shared with fellow residents and staff.

Faith was the cornerstone of Don's life. In Oklahoma City, he and Norma were active members of Metropolitan Baptist Church. After moving to Austin, they joined with several other couples to help establish Hill Country Bible Church. Throughout his life, Don quietly served others through his generosity, wisdom, and steadfast example of Christian faith.

Don was a proud Aggie whose love for Texas A&M never faded. He faithfully followed Aggie athletics and took great pride in the university that helped shape his future. Whether cheering on the Aggies, discussing the latest game, or sharing stories from his days in College Station, he carried the Aggie spirit with him throughout his life.

While many people are remembered for their hobbies or accomplishments, Don's greatest passion was people. He invested his time and energy in family, friends, neighbors, church members, and anyone who crossed his path. He was known for his genuine interest in others, his willingness to listen, and his ability to make everyone feel valued. His wisdom, kindness, and steady presence touched countless lives.

Perhaps nowhere was Don's character more evident than in his devotion to Norma. For more than fifty years, he faithfully cared for and supported her through her battle with Multiple Sclerosis. His patience, compassion, and unwavering commitment reflected the depth of his love and the strength of his faith.

Don's greatest joy was his family. He is survived by his children: Sherry Peters (Bob), Laurie Cunningham, Stacy Spickes (Michael), Donnie Cunningham (Lorri Walker), and Scott Cunningham (Robin Lamkin). He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Norma Cunningham, his daughter, Lisa Hatteberg (Greg), and youngest son, Brad Cunningham.

He was a proud grandfather to Ashley, Brittany, Stephanie, Emily, Luke, Sara Beth, Jill, David, Garrett, Colton, Daylan, Brandon, Brian, and Brady, and a cherished great grandfather to Ellie, Brooklyn, Addie, Hallie, Everlee, Cole, Jude, Jeremiah, Jamie, Ivy, Gus, Olive, Eden, Sage, Teddy, and two more littles on the way.

The family extends its deepest gratitude to Laurie Cunningham, whose tireless devotion, selfless care, and daily support over the past several years ensured both Don and Norma's comfort, dignity, and well-being. They are also profoundly grateful to the Amedisys Hospice team for their compassionate care, guidance, and support during Don's final days.

The family further extends its heartfelt appreciation to the many caregivers, medical professionals, friends, and family members who supported Don and Norma throughout their lives, particularly during their later years. Special thanks are extended to Leslie Lamkin and the residents and staff of Arbor Oaks and Crestview, whose friendship, kindness, compassion, and care enriched Don's life and brought him great comfort and joy.

The measure of Don's life is found in the family he cherished, the friendships he nurtured, and the people he served. His unwavering faith, quiet strength, and genuine compassion created a legacy that will live on through the generations that follow. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who were blessed to know him.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at 2pm at Callaway-Jones Funeral Home in Bryan, Texas with a time of visitation from 12:00pm - 2:00pm. A graveside service will immediately follow at the Aggie Field of Honor. Family and friends are invited to gather in remembrance of Don's life and to celebrate the faith, love, and legacy he leaves behind.

In lieu of flowers, the family would be honored if you would consider making a donation to the Crestview Covenant Fund (benevolent care). Crestview is the retirement community where Don and Norma spent the last 10 years of their life, building community, investing in the lives of others, and being cared for by the amazing staff there through their final days. This Covenant Fund allows for others to be cared for in the same way who might not otherwise be able to afford that level of care.

To donate: www.MRCaff.org/giving. Give now > Crestview > Covenant Fund > In Memory of Don & Norma Cunningham