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Donald Cunningham • 1909 - 2005 Donald F. Cunningham, 80, Chula Vista, CA, died Friday, August 12, 2005 in a Chula Vista hospital. Donald was born on April 4, 1925, the son of Albert and Ida (Schmidt) Cunningham in Mitchell, SD. His family moved to Colorado Springs, CO, where he graduated from high school. At the age of 17, he entered the US Navy during WWII. He proudly served his country during the Korean War and the Vietnam War. While in the Navy, Donald served on the USS Salisbury Sound AV-13, The USS Midway CVA-41, The USS Nicholas DD-449, Staff Comservon 5, and The USS Mount Katmai AE-16. He was awarded the Good Conduct medal eight times, the Navy Achievement Medal, the Navy Unit Commendation Medal, the Navy Achievement Medal, and the Navy Commendation Medal. Donald retired on February 1, 1971 after 28 years of Naval service. On September 11, 1960, he was united in marriage with Mary Saltsman in Burbank, CA. Following their marriage, the couple lived in at a number of locales during his service with the Navy. Upon his discharge, they moved to Chula Vista, where Donald worked for the US Postal Service for 20 years. He lived in the Fredericka Nursing Care Facility for five years, and the last three years at the California Veterans Center in Chula Vista, CA, where he resided at the time of his death. Donald was a member of Pope Pius X Catholic Church and also attended Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church, both in Chula Vista. He is survived by: His wife, Mary, Chula Vista, CA; one son, four daughters and several grandchildren by a previous marriage. Four nephews also survive. Donald was preceded in death by, his parents, and sister Keo Bannister. Visitation: Friday, August 19, 2005 from noon until 7:00 p.m. at the Thompson-Larson Funeral Home, Minot Funeral Service: Saturday, August 20, 2005 at 10:30 am at Thompson-Larson Funeral Home Chapel, Minot. Burial: Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot, ND. Officiant: Father Fred Harvey,Little Flower Catholic Church, Minot Music: "Navy Hymn" Active Bearers: Myron Hanson, Bradley Saltsman, Roy
Kading, Ivan Canavello, Fred Debowey Corwin Effertz |