Lynn Farris Cunningham

Lynn Farris Cunningham, 96, was born April 7, 1928, in Gurley, Nebraska to Lynn and Vera Cunningham. His father was the postmaster in the little town north of Sidney

Lynn spent his childhood in Lincoln, Nebraska where his father worked for the state reformatory. The family moved to Sterling, Colorado when he was in middle school and then to Casper, Wyoming. Lynn graduated from Natrona County High School in 1947.

In 1951 he earned a BS from Woodbury College in Los Angeles, California, in fashion design. He joined the US Coast Guard in January 1952, serving on the USCGC Escanaba off the coast of Korea during the Korean Conflict. He was also a member of the Coast Guard Reserve.

Upon his discharge, Lynn worked many jobs around the western United States. He came to Cheyenne in 1963 to work for the Wyoming Highway Department. He met Janet Waits at the street square dance downtown during that summer.

They were married on Valentine's Day 1965 at the First United Methodist Church where they have been members for 60 years. A few years later he moved to the US Geological Survey working as a cartographer, retiring in 1988.

Lynn took a course in furniture upholstery and formed his own business in a shop he built at his home, Lynn's Antique and Custom Upholstery. He worked both jobs until his retirement from USGS. He continued to do upholstery work until 1995.

Lynn was active in his church for many years. He was a driving force in the prostate cancer group in Cheyenne and participated in many Relay for Life events. He was an active member of the Scottish Society of Southeast Wyoming.

Lynn and Janet enjoyed many travels in their later years, visiting all 50 states and taking several trips abroad.

Lynn is preceded in death by his parents and a younger brother Jim. He is survived by his wife Janet, daughter Lesley (Dave) Urasky, Forest Cunningham, daughter Amanda Cunningham and grandson Liam. He is also survived by siblings Dan Cunningham and Sondra Smull, both of Lander Wyoming.

A memorial service will be held at 10:00 A.M. at the First United Methodist Church at 108 East 18th street, followed by military honors and a reception at the church. Donations can be made to First United Methodist Church, or to Wyoming branch of the American Cancer Society.