The Richmond News, Aug. 15, 2025

Jack Edward Cunningham Jr., 72, of Richmond passed away Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2025, at North Care Hospice House in Kansas City.

Jack was born April 3, 1953, in Excelsior Springs, the son of Jack Edgar and Annabell (O’Dell) Cunningham Sr.

He was united in marriage to Gloria Ellen Estes of Richmond on March 26, 1983. She survives of the home.

Additional survivors include his son, Jack (Carrie) Cunningham III of Wellington; and two daughters, Lacey Cunningham of Liberty and Christina (Brett) McClure of Richmond. Four grandchildren, Brisyn Shoemaker, Kamryn McClure, Ava Grace Cunningham and Jace Aaron Cunningham; a sister, Peggy Brubeck of Liberty; and many nieces and nephews also survive.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Joyce Ann Hufford and Susie Danner.

Jack was raised and educated in Richmond, graduating with the class of 1972. A talented athlete, he played football in high school and was a member of the 1971 Class 3A state championship football team, which was later inducted into the Richmond Spartan Athletic Hall of Fame.

Jack went on to work for the Richmond Street Department as a supervisor for 12 years, during which he also served as a volunteer firefighter and captain with the Richmond Fire Department. He later became a skilled maintainer operator with the Missouri Department of Transportation, where he worked until his retirement.

Jack had a lifelong love of sports, especially football. He served as a youth league football coach for many years and was a proud Kansas City Chiefs fan. He also had a passion for racing, driving in the Super 8 class at I-70 Speedway and founding the Ray County Go Karters.

He cherished his time with his grandchildren and enjoyed watching the Chiefs and Royals, always keeping up with the teams he loved.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to either North Care Hospice House or the American Heart Association. They can be left at or mailed to Thurman Funeral Home; 507 E. Main St.-P.O. Box 190; Richmond, MO 64085.

Funeral services were scheduled for 11 a.m. Monday, Aug. 11, at Thurman Funeral Home in Richmond. Visitation was scheduled for 5-7 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 10, at the funeral home. Burial was to be in Richmond Memory Gardens.

Please share your memories of Jack with the family at www.thurmanfuneralhome.com.