Dennis Lee Cunningham slipped away quietly from this life in Bodfish, California, during the early morning hours of Nov. 1, 2019, at the age of 77. 
While he will be missed, there is a joyous reunion awaiting. 
Dennis was born at home July 31, 1942, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Delmar David and Ella Rebecca Fisher Cunningham. He was the third of seven children. He had an adventurous spirit, quick wit, joyous laugh and a beautiful smile that warmed our hearts.
Dennis was a loving son and brother who enjoyed taking his siblings on many adventures. The family moved from Utah to California for work where his father was drafted into World War II, and his mama went to work for Howard Hughes Airlines as a riveter. The family grew and when work was available, they returned to Utah. Dad loved California, especially Kern County, and the beach cities like Redondo. He spoke of it often, followed his heart, returned to Kern County and said he was home.
He served in the Navy, was discharged and returned to Utah where he married Rosalie Kae Wrathall on Feb. 24, 1963, later divorced. Daughter, Candace Lee Cunningham (Candy), was born Sept. 13, 1963. He married Lana Faye Cook on Sept. 24, 1976, later divorced. Daughter, Mollie Mevonne, was born Sept. 8, 1977.
Dennis loved music, fast cars, family, friends, dogs, coffee, cake, ice cream, chocolate, vegetables, seafood, birthdays, Christmas, sunshine, and being outdoors. He found a love of driving big trucks and traveled coast to coast in all 48 states for 45 years. He was very talented, loved working with his hands, would take on projects, and could build or fix anything. He was giving and gracious. A unique soul with a charismatic smile, warm laugh and infectious personality.
Dad instilled a love of music and how to do the twist. He taught us to keep secrets (Don’t tell your mother), and how to defend ourselves (Get a bigger stick). Dad loved to nurse a skinned knee with mercurochrome, and treat colds with warm Jello and Vaporub. He taught us to be confident, humble, thankful and productive.
Dennis is preceded in death by his parents, sister Renee Annette, and daughter Mollie Mevonne. He is survived by five brothers and sisters: Delmar David Jr. (Ruth), Yvonne Cecile, Tona Marie, Cynthia (Nelson), and Bruce Fawn (Sarah); daughter Candy; five grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to brother Bruce who gently cared for him in his final days. We are forever grateful for the love and care given during this difficult time.
A memorial will be held Nov. 16, 2019, from 1 to 4 p.m., at the Eagles Hall, 50 S. 1st St., Tooele, Utah. Please join us to honor Dennis and share your memories.