Cleve Charles

Cunningham

Cleve Charles Cunningham, age 89, native of Lutcher, LA and recent resident of McKinney, TX passed away peacefully on April 20, 2024. He was born to loving parents Martin Cunningham and Reine Aimie Bleakley on June 25, 1934.

Cleve attended Lutcher High School and was always proud to be the catcher on the 1951 state championship baseball team. He furthered his education and love of baseball at the University of Louisiana in Lafayette and would continue to play baseball for over 20 years including in a semi-pro league.

He moved back to Lutcher to help run the family business, Cunningham Motors, in 1951. He served in the United States Army for two years active duty and three years active reserves. That experience further strengthened his love of country. Cleve went on to work at Shell Chemical in Norco, Louisiana and spent 33 years working to provide for his family.

Cleve met the love of his life, Rae, in 1963. He always said, marrying Rae was the best decision of his life. He found joy in the simple things in life and had a true love for God, family, country and LSU baseball. He was also committed to serving his church for 29 years, teaching catechism at St. Joseph. His greatest memories were spent with his wife and four children, as he was an amazing father and grandfather.

Cleve is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Rae Browning Cunningham; his children Stephen (Toni) Cunningham, London (Gary) Allyn, Tiffeny (Roy) Francis, and David Cunningham; grandchildren Chase Boltin, Kristen (Ryan) Khamistos, Sierra (Luke) Hinckley, Carson Allyn, Rylie Cunningham, Kinsey Cunningham, Victoria Francis, and Tyler Francis; great grandchildren Daya and Kya. Also survived by his sister Maureen (Chris) LeBoeuf and other loving family members. Cleve is preceded in death by his parents, Martin and Reine Aimee Cunningham and sisters, Wilma Scheidler and Jane Oubre.

The family would like to thank BSW Hospital in McKinney, Texas and Encore Memory in Plano, Texas for the love and care provided to Cleve.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend Visitation and Funeral Mass at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 2130 Rectory St., Paulina, LA on Saturday, May 4, 2024. Visitation will be held at church from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. followed by a Funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. Interment in Resthaven Memorial Gardens Cemetery, 11817 Jefferson Hwy., Baton Rouge, LA.

Arrangements by Rose Lynn Funeral Home. To view or sign the online guest book, please visit www.roselynnfuneralhome.com