George Kermit Cunningham

With deep sorrow and unwavering hope in Christ, we announce the passing of George Cunningham of Benson, Arizona, who entered into the presence of his Savior on February 25, 2026, at the age of 87. He was born in St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin on October 6, 1938, to George W. and Gladys E. Mattin Cunningham. When George was six years old, they moved to Oak View (near Ventura), California where he lived for many years. At eight years old, he attended a Vacation Bible School and gave his life to the Lord. One trial he faced as a child was that he contracted Polio at age twelve and recovered after months of Physical Therapy. He went to Junior College, then served in the Army Reserves, with basic training at Fort Ord, California. He later attended Multnomah School of the Bible in Portland, Oregon where he met Wilma Jantzen. They were married in Dallas, Oregon on September 3, 1965. They lived in Portland, then Santa Barbara, California, moved to Pearce, Arizona in 1971 where they built and managed a mobile home park. In 1983 they moved to Benson, Arizona where they were still residing at the time of George's passing. George worked for many years as a carpenter/handyman in and around the Benson area, also giving freely of his time and talents to those who needed it. George and Wilma both helped establish Grace Chapel in Benson, later attended Benson Church of Our Savior, and have fellowshipped at Shiloh Christian Ministries in Sierra Vista for many years. During their time at Shiloh, they taught classes through "Walking in Divine Health" that brought healing to many people. One part that was close to George's heart was when he ministered the "Father's Love" to people who had never heard the words "I love you" from their earthly father. In later years, he was excited to re-commit his life to the Lord and was baptized at the age of 83. George had many hobbies and interests. He was a lover of music, who taught himself to play the piano, and used that gift in a variety of ways. He also played the clarinet, guitar, melodica, and the nose whistle! He sang in choirs from high school on, participated in the chorale for Youth for Christ rallies in Santa Barbara, and was part of many barbershop quartets and choruses starting in high school. A high point in his life was high school drama, which he always remembered with fondness, particularly his starring role in the Mikado. Another joy was owning and working on numerous cars (20 plus), and he was always able to tell us exactly what year and model we were looking at whether at a car show or just out on the street. He loved people, and would chat with anyone who was willing, always being an encourager to those around him. If this could be done over a shared meal and something sweet, even better. Though our hearts ache in his absence, we rejoice in the promise he held onto so firmly. We take comfort believing that he has heard the words, "Well done, good and faithful servant," and that he now sings in perfect harmony in the presence of his Savior. He was a caring husband, a loving father, and a proud grandpa (known as Papa). He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Wilma (Jantzen) Cunningham; children Darlene (Thomas) Medeiros, Steven (Holly) Cunningham, and Rebecca (John) Droigk; and grandchildren Andrew (Stephanie) Medeiros, Samuel Medeiros, Christina Anglemyer, Hailey Cunningham, Jacob Cunningham, and Hannah Droigk. He is also survived by a brother Gary (Eloise) Cunningham, (nieces and nephews) and is preceded in death by his parents, and his brother Gordon Cunningham. A service celebrating his life will be held on Sunday, April 19,2026, at 4:00 pm at Shiloh Christian Ministries, 1519 Avenida del Sol, Sierra Vista, AZ 85635

George Kermit Cunningham

October 6, 1938 - February 25, 2026