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 District19, East of Cozad, until sixth 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, Kansas, 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, Wyoming and was accepted into the Wyoming Highway Patrol. He shortly thereafter moved to Evanston. It was therevhe 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, Oregon; stepdaughters Rochelle (Edward) Adamski of Evanston, Camille (Jonathan) Andersen of Evanston, Tandi (Timothy)
Metoyer of Colorado Springs, Colorado; Roxanne (Eric) LaClaire of Jackson Hole; grandsons Isaiah Whisman and Felix LaClaire; granddaughter Mia Castro; sister Kathy (Randy) Jacob of Cozad, Nebraska; brother Doug (Ellen) Cunningham of Lexington, Nebraska, and nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, one aunt and uncle.
Services will be live streamed on Friday, December 18, 2020, at 11 am at Crandall Funeral Home in
Evanston.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations go to the Wyoming Highway Patrol Association. Please
contact Lieutenant Matt Arnell for donation information at: [email protected]
Condolences may be offered at www.CrandallFHEvanston.com
