David Cunningham

David E. Cunningham, 64, of Rock springs, Wyoming passed away on December 8, 2020.  He was born on July 7, 1956 in Cozad Nebraska to Paul E. and Patricia R. Cunningham. He attended schools at District #19, East of Cozad, until 6th grade.  He then went to the Cozad Public Schools, graduating with the class of 1974. After high school, he attended Fort Hays State in Hays, KS, but soon decided to return to Nebraska. He began working for the Nebraska Natural Gas Company in Gothenburg. While there, he began a career in law enforcement with the Gothenburg Police Department before transferring to the Dawson County Sheriff's Department, where he met and married his first wife Janae Mandelko, in 1983, which later ended in divorce. In 1985 David attended the Wyoming Police Academy in Douglas, WY and was accepted into the Wyoming Highway Patrol. He shortly thereafter moved to Evanston. It was there he met his wife Lori Mathson.  During his time at the state patrol, he lived in Evanston, Torrington, and finally Rock Springs where he retired from the Wyoming highway patrol at the rank of Captain.  After retirement, David hired on as a driver for PTI, where he enjoyed driving train crews across the state.

David never had any kids of his own, but loved Lori's children and grandchildren as if they were his. He was always willing to provide and support them, even when life as a step parent could be challenging. He was loved and cherished by friends and family, and will always be remembered for his giant bear hugs.

David was a member of the Elk's club, eventually becoming exalted ruler. David was also a lifetime member of the Wyoming Highway Patrol Association.

He enjoyed College football, his favorite teams were the Nebraska Corn Huskers, and the Wyoming Cowboys. He also enjoyed going to concerts, gambling, road trips, fishing and watching Nascar races.

He is survived by his wife Lori Cunningham; Stepson Brandon Hoffman, of Astoria, OR; Stepdaughters Rochelle (Edward) Adamski, of Evanston, Camille (Jonathan) Andersen, of Evanston, Tandi (Timothy) Metoyer, of Colorado Springs, CO. Roxanne (Eric) LaClaire, of Jackson Hole; Grandsons Isaiah Whisman and Felix LaClaire; Granddaughter Mia Castro; Sister Kathy (Randy) Jacob, of Cozad, NE; Brother Doug (Ellen) Cunningham of Lexington, NE, and Nieces and Nephews.

He is preceded in death by his Parents, Grandparents, one Aunt and Uncle.

Funeral Services for David will be live streamed on Friday December 18, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. at Crandall Funeral Home in Evanston. Interment will follow at Evanston City Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations go to the Wyoming Highway Patrol Association. Please contact Lieutenant Matt Arnell for donation information at: matt.arnell@wyo.gov