Wilbert A. "Bill" Cunningham

Wilbert A. "Bill" Cunningham, age 91, of Tipton, IN died November 21, 2013 at Riverview Hospital. He was born May 16, 1922 at Indianapolis, IN to Joseph and Mae (Chaney) Cunningham. He was a graduate of Ben Davis High School, Indianapolis, then attended Purdue University for two years. He later earned an AB degree at Minnesota Bible College, M.Div. and D.Min from Christian Theological Seminary at Indianapolis, IN. He also graduated studies at Michigan State University and special studies in death and dying, grief counseling, stress management, critical incident stress debriefing, and alcohol addiction counseling. He had been a teacher and administrator for 13 years at Kentucky Christian College and Great Lakes Bible College, taught Law Enforcement Ethics at the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy, was an adjunct instructor teaching "Chaplaincy: A Form of Ministry" and "Crisis Counseling" at Louisville Bible College. He had served resident and interim pastorates for 20 years in Minnesota, Indiana, Kentucky and Maryland. Most recently he pastored at Community Christian Church and at North Tacoma Christian Church both at Indianapolis and was currently teaching and serving as Elder Emeritus at Cicero Christian Church where he is a member. He assisted in developing a chaplains' program at Hartford Memorial Hospital, Havre de Grace, MD, led in the development of chaplain's program at Indianapolis International Airport, and in re-developing Pastoral Care Department and served as Director at Riverview Hospital at Noblesville, IN. He also served as staff chaplain at the Indianapolis Police Department for 16 years, volunteer chaplain for FBI, Indianapolis Division for 10 years, Noblesville Police Department for 5 years, visiting chaplain, FBI Academy, Quantico for several weeks, co-author and developer of Indiana State Police Chaplain's program, assisted Kokomo, Lawrence and other departments in starting programs. He was a contributing author of the book, Law Enforcement Chaplaincy, and of additional certification and continuing education programs. He was a life member of the International Conference of Police Chaplains and was appointed by Gov. Evan Bayh to serve on the Advisory Council of the Indiana Law Enforcement Training Board. He was designated Sagamore of the Wabash by Gov. Even Bayh in 1991. He was named Honorary Deputy Chief of the Indianapolis Police Department on September 30, 1991. And in 1995 the Wilbert A. Cunningham Award for Excellency in Chaplaincy was established to honor Bill. He served his country during WWII in the Army Air Corps and is an American Legion member. He first married Estel M. Cunningham who preceded him in death. He later married Betty (Shupperd) Cunningham who survives him. Also surviving is a son: Mark David Cunningham of Detroit, MI, daughter: Sharon Cunningham, a missionary in India, daughter-in-law: Carol Cunningham of Warrenton, VA, a step-son: Scott (Donna) Griesel of Windfall, IN, 5 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by a son: Paul Cunningham and a sister: Jean McBride. Funeral services will be held Saturday, November 30, 2013 at 10:30 A.M. at Cicero Christian Church with Pastor Tim Lueking officiating. Burial will follow at Washington Park East Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday from 4:00 to 8:00 P.M. also at the Church. Memorial contributions may be made to Kulpahar Mahoba (mission), c/o Cicero Christian Church. Arrangements are entrusted to Hartley Funeral Homes Cicero Chapel where you may share a memory or send condolences at www.hartleyfuneralhomes.com. Visitation
November 29, 2013
4:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Cicero Christian Church 1715 Stringtown Pike
Cicero, IN
(317) 984-4653 Funeral Service
November 30, 2013
10:30 AM
Cicero Christian Church 1715 Stringtown Pike
Cicero, IN
(317) 984-4653 Burial
November 30, 2013
11:30 AM
Washington Park East Cemetery 10612 E. Washington St
Indianapolis, IN
(317) 396-2500