Gerald Calvin Cunningham, 68, was received into heaven, Wednesday, July 26, 2023.  Gerald, known by his loving family as “Jerry”, preferred his middle name Calvin which he shared with his jovial father, Calvin, “Bud”, Cunningham.  “Calvin” spent most of his adult life in Aurora, Colorado, relocating to Wichita, Kansas, due to advancing health issues.  Born December 18, 1955, in Twin Falls, Idaho, he was the son of Calvin Gerald, “Bud”, Cunningham and Alice nee Wood.  They later divorced when Calvin was only 2 years old.  However, he and his brother Joseph were richly blessed when their father Bud, after moving to Dodge City, Kansas, married the love of Bud’s life, Eleanor Riedl in 1960.  A beautiful, blended family was formed by God’s love as Calvin and Joseph were blessed with brother Jim and sisters Jolinda (Jodi), and Janita (Jan).

Growing up, Calvin attended school in Dodge City, Kansas where his father managed the Woolworth store.  When about to enter High School, Bud and Eleanor felt called by God to manage and serve the church as managers and owners of a Christian bookstore. That dream was fulfilled when given the opportunity to own Christian Service Company in Salina, Kansas.  They were beloved by the community wherever they served faithfully throughout Kansas. 

Calvin graduated from Salina South High School, class of 1973.  Active in theater and forensics he earned many forensics medals for debate and informative speaking and then attended business college. Moving out of his childhood home to his own apartment in Salina, after graduating, he successfully managed the Quik Trip store in Salina.

Calvin always dreamed of becoming an exceptional chef and owning his own restaurant.  Relocating to Denver, Colorado, he made many good friends becoming involved in local restaurants as a server, manager, and also trained with experienced chefs. “ Calvin’s Before and after” in lower downtown Denver’s theater district became his realized dream. There he served the public fantastic and memorable entrees, scrumptious soups and hor d’oeuvres, and incredible cheesecakes. To this day, his sought-after recipe for his divine cream of cauliflower soup remains a secret! Hanging in the restaurant were creative works of art from local artists attempting to be discovered. 

While in the Denver area, Calvin met his bride, Georgina. They spent several years together but ultimately parted ways and remained good friends. As Denver redesigned the downtown area to accommodate the professional sports venues Calvin attempted several iterations of his restaurant. After over 20 years of hard and successful work he ultimately sold his business and then traveled throughout Europe. He later returned and settled in Aurora, Colorado consulting and assisting local restauranteurs. 

Due to health issues, it was necessary to return to Kansas to live with his loving and generous nephew Mike Atakpa Jr. who graciously looked after him along with his loving sister Janita. Together they cared for him as his health declined and then finally left life to receive life eternal. 

He was proceeded in death by his parents Calvin “Bud” Cunningham and Eleanor Cunningham and Alice nee Wood and brother-in-law, Maurice Hertach. Survived by: brothers James Reidl (Arlyce) and Rev. Joseph Cunningham (Sara), along with sisters Jolinda Hertach (Maurice, deceased) and Janita Atakpa (Mike).  We give heartfelt thanks for his unique and storied life.  Calvin’s extended family include his nephews and nieces; Marc Reidl, Matthew Reidl, Michael Atakpa, Jr., Marlena (Atakpa) Hood, Michael Hertach, Meredith Hertach, Monique (Hertach) Thompson, Monte Hertach, Megan (Cunningham) Becker, Ben Cunningham, and Paul Cunningham. Other friends and family members fondly remember his unique perspectives on life and ever-present humor. He will be missed and remembered by all!

Burial plans to be announced at a later date.