Alfred Burton Cunnings

Alfred Burton Cunnings, Sr.

August 9, 1926 – December 17, 2020

Alfred Burton Cunnings, Sr., age 94 of Howell, MI passed away from natural causes on December 17, 2020.

Born in Detroit, MI to Oliver and Leona (Keck) Cunnings, Al was a proud World War II Veteran, serving in the United States Coast Guard, Division of the Navy, aboard the USS Sellstrom from August 1943 – March 1946; in recognition of his service, Al received the WWII Victory Medal for his bravery in the Asiatic Pacific, European-African-Middle Eastern, and American Campaigns. Cowboy, taxi driver and avid Detroit Tigers fan, he spent over thirty years as a Tool and Die Engineer for Ford Motor Company, while maintaining a large family farm and indulging in his love of woodworking and gardening.

Often referred to as the “toughest man ever” by anyone who met him, he will be lovingly remembered and cherished for his stalwart spirit, witty sense of humor, and legendary “nine lives.”

He is survived by his beloved wife, Gloria, of 70 years, and is a hero to their eleven children, Alfred Cunnings II, Richard Cunnings, David (Janice) Cunnings, Janice Cunnings, Patrick (Sheryl) Cunnings, Barbara (Ray) Platts, Margaret (Ardy) Cassem, Carolyn (Terry) Cunnings, Kathleen Roberts, Martha Cunnings, Johanna Gibson (Craig), 22 Grandchildren, 25 Great Grandchildren, 2 Great Great Grandchidren, many nieces and nephews, and extended family.

Services will be June 11, 2021 at St. Joseph Church in cooperation with Borek Jennings Funeral Home of Howell, MI. Al will be memorialized at Great Lakes National Cemetery, Holly, MI.  Memorial contributions may be given to family for future designation.  Please leave a message of comfort for Alfred’s family at 1-877-231-7900, or sign his guestbook at www.borekjennings.com.

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