Jesse P. Cunningham
1928-2004
Local attorney Jesse P. Cunningham, 76, died November 30, 2004 at Christus St. Elizabeth Hospital in Beaumont.
He was born February 5, 1928 to Hugh Cameron Cunningham and Yetta Palmer Cunningham. He served in the United States Marine Corps and upon discharge attended Texas University School of Law. After graduating and passing the Bar in 1953, he returned to Beaumont to join his father in his law practice until his retirement in 2000.
Jesse was an avid outdoorsman and NRA member. He enjoyed fishing, hunting and his beach home in Crystal Beach. He also loved gardening and “liked to dig in the dirt.”
He was preceded in death by his parents, Hugh and Yetta Cunningham. Survivors include his wife of 41 years Neva Cunningham of Beaumont; daughters, Patricia Cunningham Reaves and husband Billy of Waco and Cindy Cunningham Pierson and husband Roger of Greer, South Carolina; son, David S. Cunningham of Beaumont; stepchildren, Donna (Sierra) Ritter Spruce and husband Marshall Gluskin of Kealakekua, Hawaii; Duane Ritter and wife Shaun of Austin; Diane Ritter Crow and husband Chuck of Houston, and Dana Susan Ritter Janosek and husband Kevin of Hinesville, Georgia; grandchildren, Jeffrey Anderson, Amanda Anderson Mosley, Melissa Pierson Cerniski, Shannon Pierson, Kelly Pierson, Nadia Gluskin, Mikayla Gluskin, Avery Ritter, Andrew Ritter, Laina Crow, Teresa Crow, Jennifer Janosek and Sarah Janosek.
Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday, November 4, 2004 at Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont followed by burial at Forest Lawn Cemetery. A gathering of family and friends will be Friday evening from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the mortuary.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Mamie McFaddin Ward Cancer Clinic, 2830 Calder, Beaumont, Texas 77702.
The family wishes to express thanks and gratitude for the loving care provided by the dedicated staff of Christus St. Elizabeth Hospital, the cancer clinic and all the attending physicians.
