Donald "Don" Duane Cunningham

Donald “Don” Duane Cunningham, 87, of Carlsbad, NM passed away on Friday, July 28, 2023, at home surrounded by his family. Don was born on December 8, 1935, in Lamar County, TX near Paris, TX to Frank W. and Grace A. Cunningham.

Don Spent his childhood and early life in Dallas and Garland, TX. He often spoke of his memories of growing up in the era of WWII. He developed a strong love and appreciation for country, the military, and all of those who served. Don graduated Garland High School in 1954, and then enrolled at McMurry College in Abilene, TX. In 1956, he enlisted in the US Army, serving for 2 years in Germany. He returned to McMurry in 1958, where he met Janet Mills, and they got married on July 9, 1961. After finishing his degrees, he was called back to duty during the Cuban Missile Crisis and was stationed at Ft. Polk Louisiana.

In 1963, they moved to Carlsbad, and he began his teaching career at the Carlsbad Municipal Schools. Don taught school from 1963 through 1987 at Hillcrest and Alta Vista Schools. Mr C., as he was known by many, loved his career, and he was privileged in getting to teach all his students. He often spoke and wrote of the blessings he felt to have been a part of all his students lives. He felt blessed by God to have that opportunity. He always wanted his students to know how much they meant to him. Don loved the Dallas Cowboys, listening to music, especially classic country, spending time with his family, and visiting and touring around his native area of east Texas.

Don was preceded in death by his father, Frank W. Cunningham; mother, Grace A. Cunningham; and brother, Tejan Cunningham.

Don is survived by his loving wife, Janet Cunningham of Carlsbad, NM; son, Duane Cunningham and wife, Marcia of Carlsbad, NM; brother, Walter Cunningham of Lindle, TX; three nephews and two nieces: Lance Cunningham, Shane Cunningham, Leslie Bunt, Scott Cunnigham, and Dana Cunningham; and several other extended family members.

Cremation has taken place, and a memorial service is scheduled for 10:00 AM Monday, August 28, 2023, at the Immanuel Lutheran Church with Rev. Karl Wright officiating. Denton-Wood Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

The family would like to give a special thanks to TLC Home Health and Hospice, and James and Linda Lanham for all of their help during this time.

Condolences may be expressed at dentonwood.com