Joe Cunningham

Joseph A Cunningham III (Joe) passed away after 18 days of declining health in the hospital. He had been sick for several months prior to his death. Joe was born in Tulsa on December 5, 1956 to Joseph A and Nina L Cunningham, 12 hours after his cousin Kathy Luke. Joe graduated from Memorial High School Class of 1975 and loved attending/working on the reunions and keeping up with classmates on Facebook. Speaking of Facebook, it is true he has been banned a few times, but for the most part, his humor and craziness is known around the world by friends and family alike. Joe went on to attend Oklahoma State University when he learned to graceful accept defeat under the guidance of his father who graduated from OK A&M and continued to support the Cowboys no matter what the score. Both Joes bleed orange – no doubt about it! He graduated with a Degree in Business Administration which he used throughout his career in Purchasing and Management. Joe met Brenda Mathis while at work and ten years later they were married. Watching each other handle business problems allowed them to see the best and worse in each other – and they still got married anyway! Joe and Brenda were married June13, 1987 by William Westmoreland at St. Andrews Presbyterian. Along with Brenda, Joe also became a Stepfather to Michelle Mathis and all survived the teen year together. Joe and Michelle became much closer after the passing of her father in 1995. Traveling brought Joe the greatest joy. He and Brenda were fortunate to go to many places around the globe. Joe loved flying his airplane and both he and Brenda had their pilot licenses. They also had several sailboats during their life together with Joe being much better at flying and sailing than Brenda, which was fine with her. Joe did many Angel Flights over the years volunteering to shuttle cancer patients across the country. He loved his doggies too – having many rescues that they adopted. Joe and Brenda joined Trinity Presbyterian Church in 2011 and have both been very actively involved there. Joe was the photographer for most events but loved participating in the VBS skits. He is survived by his wife Brenda, his Stepdaughter Michelle Buttress and her husband Otis, Brother Bill Cunningham, Niece Carley Cunningham, Nephew Mark Cunningham, Cousins: Richard Olsen (Laurie), Mike Harrison (Mary), Becky Frost (Robert), Kathy Hartman (Don), Jim Luke (Beth), Carolyn Powell, Nancy Webster (Fray), Patricia Lockwood (Paul), Kip Bettis (Val) and many loving second and third cousins. He is also survived by PeeDee the Lab, and Mookie and Rocket their two Boston Terrorists and thousands of friends worldwide.Visitation will be at Fitzgerald’s South Funeral Home on Friday, August 3rd from 5pm to 8pm. A memorial service will be held at Trinity Presbyterian Church, 9303 E 111th Bixby, on Saturday, August 4th at 2pm. Interment will be in a private ceremony at a later date. Joe was granted his wish to be an organ donor so he will live on. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Trinity Presbyterian Church in his name, or to any animal aid or rescue foundation. Fitzgerald Southwood Colonial Chapel, 918-291-3500.

Joe Cunningham

December 5, 1956 - July 30, 2018