L. M. Doc Cunningham

L.M. Doc Cunningham, age 79, of Danville, passed away Thursday, October 09, 2008 at the Illiana Health Care System in Danville. He was born July 5, 1929 in Danville, IL the son of Theodore and Opal Mae (Huffman) Cunningham. Doc married Cynthia Cossey on September 16, 1978 in Rileysburg, IN. She survives. Other survivors include: his sister: Rheta (Bob) Dartt of Danville; an uncle: Glenn (Mildred) Huffman of Bismarck; and an aunt: Ruby Williams of Danville. He was preceded in death by his parents. Doc served in the United States Army during the Korean War. He worked as distributor for Coke Cola for 10 years before moving to Pepsi Cola, where he worked for 40 years until his retirement. Doc loved playing music and was a musician for over 65 years. He started playing the accordion at an early age. He moved on to the upright bass. Playing it with his father and Frank Tickner. Doc was a member of many dance bands and played with the likes of Lou George, Leon Vogel, and Mary Howlett. He played in a three man show band dubbed the Chug-A-Lugs, but his favorite band he performed with was the Five Eleven Flaming Jazz Orchestra. He liked collecting old tractors, hit and miss motors, cars, and model trains. Doc enjoyed riding Harleys, boats, and especially driving everywhere in his Elvis Car. He was known as a local rodeo star in his younger days. Doc was a member of the American Federation of Music Local. Doc and his music will be sadly missed by all that knew him. Please join the family at 10 am on Monday, October 13, 2008 at Sunsets Community and Life Tribute Center (formerly Lakeside-Barrick Funeral Home) in Danville to share your favorite memories of Doc. Friends are encouraged to bring your cars for one last cruise with Doc and Elvis on the way to his final resting place at Gundy Cemetery in Bismarck. Visitation will be held from 4 to 6 pm on Sunday, October 12, 2008 at the Tribute Center. Memorial donations may be made in Docs name to the Vermilion Manor Nursing Home. Email condolences can be sent to Docs family at: www.sunsetfuneralhome.com