Willard C. Cunningham

Willard C. Cunningham, age 83 of Anna, passed away on Wednesday, April 29, 2026 at his home surrounded by his family.

He was born on March 12, 1943 to Paul H Cunningham and Ondean (Karraker) Cunningham in Anna, Illinois. March 21, 1964, he married Mary Kietzman and they have been together for over 62 years.

Willard was a journeyman electrician starting in 1962, later starting Highway Electric, an electrical contracting business in 1982. 

He was an active member of Mt. Moriah Lutheran Church, serving multiple terms on church council. In addition, he was a 57-year member of Anna Kiwanis, served on the Union County Hospital Board for over 15 years and was on the Anna State Bank Board of Directors for over 20 years.

Willard was an avid outdoorsman and in his younger years won numerous state championships in duck calling. He enjoyed raising cattle on the farm. 

In retirement, he and wife Mary traveled extensively on the waterways of the United States in their boat and spent time traveling across the country in their RV.

Survivors include his wife; two daughters, Melissa Kinder of Goreville, Ill. and Sarah Long (David) of Smithville, TN; one son, Ted Cunningham (Ashlee) of Salem, Mo.; grandchildren, Kaleb (Abbie) Kinder of Marietta, Ga., Kyle Kinder of Louisville, Ky., Isabella Long, Anna Long, Nora Long all three of Smithville, Tenn., Raymond (Alley) Cunningham, John Cunningham, and Edlyn Paige Cunningham all three of Salem, Mo.

He is preceded in death by his parents; and siblings, John Cunningham and Martha Holbach.

Funeral Services were held on Saturday, May 2, 2026  with Pastor Mark Hasty officiating at Crain Funeral Home in Anna. 

Interment followed the service at Trinity Cemetery in Anna, Ill.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests with gratitude that memorial contributions may be made to Trinity Cemetery.

Crain Funeral Home in Anna, Illinois is in charge of arrangements.