William Edward Cunningham

William “Bill” Cunningham was born on December 14, 1954 to Donald “Sandy” and Libby Cunningham outside of Delavan, Kansas, on the family farm. Bill proudly attended the Delavan Elementary School and Wilsey Elementary School, and graduated from Council Grove High School in 1972. In 1989, Bill married Michelle “Shelly” Sangwin and gained a step-daughter, Miranda. Four more daughters followed: Brooke, Kelsey, Teri, and Kaylee. Bill’s daughters were the highlight of his life and he loved bragging about them to anyone who would listen. He loved coaching them in sports and helping them with their 4H projects. Throughout his life, Bill did many things, including owning a tire repair company, working at his daughters’ elementary school, as an engineering technician for KDOT, and, perhaps his favorite, working at the lumber yards in Wilsey and White City. No matter what job he was working, Bill always worked the family farm. The Cunningham family farm was one of the oldest in America at over 175 years old, and Bill had proudly been driving a tractor on that farm since he was four years old. Bill played the saxophone in the BJ4 band for 30 years, and many locals remember how talented he was and can recall their favorite song that they heard on Saturday nights at the Jamboree. Bill was also a very talented woodworker and enjoyed crafting personalized gifts for friends and loved ones. Bill was very giving, and helped his family and friends however he could. 

Bill was preceded in death by his mother and father, Donald and Libby Cunningham; his sister and brother-in-law, Betty and Robert Wayman; his nephew, James Barrett Wayman; and his daughter, Kelsey Lynn Cunningham. 

Bill is survived by his sister, Pat Cunningham; his daughters and sons-in-law, Miranda and Justin Metcalf, Brooke and Travis Hirt, Teri and Keith Potter, and Kaylee Cunningham; his grandchildren, Jordan, Nathan, and Sofia Potter, Mitchell and Rosie Metcalf, Colton and Emma Hirt; and countless cousins and extended family members.

Visitation will be on Monday, April 22^nd, from 5:30 – 7:00 at the Simmons Fellowship Hall. Funeral services will be at the White City United Methodist Church on Tuesday, April 23^rd, at 10:00 a.m.  

Memorial contributions are suggested to White City School Music Program or White City Ball Association and may be sent in care of Sawyer Funeral Home, PO Box 273, Council Grove, KS 66846.