Robert Keith Cunningham

Robert Keith Cunningham, 95 of Covington, IN went home to be with his Lord Thursday, January 16, 2025, at St Franciscan Hospital Crawfordsville, Indiana.

Robert was born October 16, 1929, in Danville, IL, the son of Earl B. and Wilma (Wertsbaugh) Cunningham. On January 29, 1950, Robert married Helen Roberta Cale in Danville, IL. In 1951, Bob and Roberta started the original Mike’s Grill located on highway 136 at the Illinois-Indiana state line. 

Bob is survived by his wife Roberta, one son, Mike (Janice) Cunningham of Covington, and one daughter Nancy (Steve) Hughes of Covington, IN. He was preceded in death by their daughter Susan in 1962. Also surviving are three grandsons, Andy (Kim) Cunningham of Orange Beach, AL, Jon (Maribeth) Cunningham of Westfield, IN, and Phil (Madi) Cunningham of Westfield, IN, two granddaughters Kim (Shawn) Johnson of Covington, IN and Bethany (Cole) Dudley of Los Gatos, CA, two grandsons Brandon and Dusty Hughes of Covington, IN, two great-granddaughters, Maya and Karaline Clemence of Covington, IN, three great-grandsons, Will, Jack, and Calvin Cunningham, and one great-granddaughter Elaine Grace Cunningham of Westfield, IN, great-grandson Gus Dudley of Los Gatos, CA, one great-grandchild due in April, a special nephew John Buckner, several nieces and nephews, and many wonderful friends. Bob loved his mother-in-law, Helen Cale and always enjoyed doing things for and with her.

In addition to the original Mike’s Grill, Bob and Roberta owned and operated Mike’s Grill located on highway 136 across from Olin Cellophane, Mike’s Colonial Parkway located at Main and Bowman Streets Danville, IL, Mike’s Colonial Parkway, Covington, IN, and Mike’s Mayfair, located on Vermilion Street, Danville, IL. In 1959, Bob, along with his father Earl and brother Oren opened Mike’s Grill on Georgetown Rd, Tilton, IL, which is still in operation today. 

Bob played minor league baseball for the Chicago Cubs in the 1940’s. He was a diehard Cubs Fan, and he followed motor racing, especially the Indy 500 and NASCAR. Having a mother as a schoolteacher, Bob became talented at writing poetry. He even authored an autobiography about his life, entitled Hello, My Name is Bob.

Bob was a charter member, deacon, and Sunday School teacher at Maranatha Baptist Church in Covington, IN, where he served the Lord for over 50 years. Bob loved his church and his family. He had much wisdom to share and was a great example for everyone around him. He loved sharing the gospel with anyone who would listen. He and Roberta were excited to celebrate their 75th Wedding Anniversary in January, 2025. A faithful servant of his Lord, Bob was looking forward to his home in heaven.

Visitation will be held Tuesday January 21, 2025 from 3:00pm to 7:00pm at Maranatha Baptist Church, Covington, IN. The funeral service will be Wednesday January 22, 2025 at 11:00 am at the church. Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center, Covington, IN is assisting the family with all arrangements. Burial will take place at Sunset Memorial Park, Danville, IL. Officiating will be Pastors Bud Stidham, Kennith Jones Jr., and Larry Daniels. Memorial contributions may be sent to Maranatha Baptist Church, Hope Children’s Home in Tampa Florida, or the Ministry of the donor’s choice. Please join his family in sharing condolences, memories, photos, and videos through his Tribute Wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.