Obituary: LeRoy Edward Cunningham

LeRoy Edward Cunningham of Carson City, Nevada, died October 7, 2011, after a lengthy illness. LeRoy, the middle son of Lonnie and Lillian Kinrade Cunningham, was born on the Middle Stacks Ranch, located between Contact and Jackpot, Nevada. LeRoy was always proud of being a native Nevadan, residing in "almost every large town here." Although he did move to Salt Lake City for a short period of time, he was happy to return to Carson City in 1959 and permanently settle down. He had left Elko County High School to be a cowboy, first for the Utah Construction Company in Elko, and later on Bing Crosby's ranch in Tuscarora, Nevada. He began his career in carpentry, excelling in interior finish work, and retiring in 1988 after an on-the-job accident.

LeRoy married the love of his life, Patricia Laib, on October 11, 1963, just in time to pack up the truck & the horse for deer hunting and a honeymoon in the Diamond Mountains near Eureka. Patty and LeRoy loved playing practical jokes, especially on each other, and their house was always filled with laughter. He delighted in hunting, fishing, dancing, taking long daily walks, and telling lies --uh, stories -- especially of growing up in early Nevada.

LeRoy was predeceased by his father Lonnie, mother Lillian, and niece Debbie. He is survived by his loving wife Patty; sons, Jeffery (Joyce) of Carson City, and Glen (Julee) of Washington; and daughters, Julie Ann of Oregon, Lora (Jim) of Gardnerville, and Angela (Mark) of Winnemucca.

He also leaves fifteen grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews and brothers Lynel (Diana) of Sparks and Lloyd of Elko.

He had always said that when his mouth quit moving, he would leave this world. Have a safe trip home, LeRoy; tap'er light.

In lieu of flowers, please honor LeRoy by donating to the Alzheimer's Association, Northern Nevada Chapter, 705 S. Wells, Reno, NV 89502 or the American Cancer Society, 6490 S. McCarran Blvd., Reno, NV 89509. The family will hold a private memory services at a later date.