Thomas E. Cunningham

Thomas Edward Cunningham, 79, passed away on February 20, 2022 at the Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney. He battled multiple myeloma and kidney disease for more than a decade. Tom was born on July 2, 1942 to the late Fred and Iona Cunningham. He spent nearly all of his youthful years on a small farm a mile east of Miller, Nebraska. Engaged in agriculture, he learned his work ethic laboring in the corn and hay fields. Repairing broken farm implements under his Uncle Mart’s approving eye, quickly became second nature to him. Mechanical aptitude formed the foundation - and subsequent passion - of his work life. Tom graduated from Sumner High School in 1960; then from the Nebraska State Teachers College in Kearney with a teaching certificate in K-12 music. Tom taught students first in Polk, then Central City High Schools. His large and select choral groups were outstanding; his musical productions were detailed, creative and inspiring. Memories from those musical performances still form part of the conversations at annual Central City class reunions. As a member of the Catholic Church, he directed church choirs at Central City and at Loveland, Colorado. Tom focused his attention on the General Motors Corporation Corvette...any year, any condition. His passion centered on restoring any broken, wrecked, busted-up Vette to its pristine condition. Among those who resurrected vehicles, he had few peers. For several years, he operated his own company, Corvette Revival, Inc. serving the Loveland and Ft. Collins area. Tom married Lois Driewer of Bradshaw on October 15, 1963. To that union, two children were born, Troy and Michelle. The family’s best memories included boating on Nebraska lakes and holiday celebrations on the farms of their grandparents. Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Iona; and grandparents, William and Mary Johanna Cunningham, and Mary and Edward Delimont. Survivors include his children, Troy (Donna) Cunningham of Brighton, Colorado and Michelle (John) Vervaeke of Sammamish, Washington; his sister, Kathy, married to Jack Nosal of Columbus; his sister, Pat, married to Jerry Stine of Omaha; and his brother, Don, who is married to Nancy Cunningham of Lincoln, mourn his death. Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held in early summer. Interment will follow at the Kearney Cemetery. Solt-Wagner Funeral Home is handling the arrangements. Condolences may be left at www.soltwagnerfuneral.com. Contributions in Tom's honor will be forwarded to the Central City music department.

Thomas E. Cunningham

July 2, 1942 - February 20, 2022