ALTAMONT — Stephen Cunningham, 45, of Altamont, passed away on Friday, March 6, 2026, at his home.
Stephen Scott Cunningham was born on July 16, 1980, to John Edward and Bonnie Gayle (Kenworthy) Cunningham in Columbus, Kansas.
Stephen graduated from Labette County High School in 1998.
After high school, Stephen served in the United States Army, serving two tours in Iraq. After he was honorably discharged, Stephen obtained his automotive tech certification where he worked at Walmart.
Later he worked as an over the road truck driver for several years and most recently was a Lead Man for Ruskin Company, second shift. He was known for his hard work ethic and being able to get the most out of others.
He loved spending time with his family. He was always perfecting the art of smoking meat. This led to experimenting with different techniques, rubs, and smokers. He would often take part in the appreciation dinners, where he would bring the brisket. He loved to fish and always caught something even if it was a turtle. He could cook the fish so well with his own special batter, that people who didn’t like fish would eat it.
He was generous and spared no expense — monetary or acts of service — for those he loved. He lived quietly, but loved big. He enjoyed learning and sharing his knowledge with others. He was simply a Jack of all trades and a master of none but oftentimes better than a master of one.
Survivors include: his parents – John and Bonnie Cunningham of the home, a brother – Bradley Cunningham of Anchorage, Alaska; four sisters - Rebecca Buchanan and husband, Bob, of McCune, Christy Palmer and husband, Doug, of Fredonia, Esther Junod and husband, Ron, of Radcliff, Kentucky, and Melody Miller of Altamont; nieces and nephews – Adam, Norma, Katie, Reilly, Justin, Jaylee, Jade, and Jay; and a greatnephew, Wyatt.
He was preceded in death by his infant sister, Amy Cunningham.
A funeral service will be held, at 10 a.m., Friday, March 13, 2026, Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, 405 Main St., Parsons, KS, 67357. Burial will follow at Mount Pleasant Cemetery, in Altamont.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to help defray final expenses. These may be left at or mailed to Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 374, Parsons, KS 67357.
Online condolences may be left at www.forbeshofffman. com.
