Wallace Cunningham

Wallace Edwin Cunningham, 86, of Ledbetter passed away Saturday, November 6th at 11:05 p.m. at Western Baptist Hospital.

Mr. Cunningham served as a radio operator during World War II, where he fought at the Battle of Anzio, and the Battle of the Bulge. While with the Army, he was awarded the European African Middle Eastern Service Ribbon with five bronze stars, the Bronze Arrowhead World War II Victor Metal, the Good Conduct Metal and given the rank of Sharpshooter before being honorably discharged.

After his military career, Mr. Cunningham attended both Murray State University and Eastern Kentucky University before joining the Paducah Police Force in 1948. During his career with the Paducah Police Department, he was promoted to the position of Assistant Chief of Police while at the same time acting as Chief of Detectives. After 28 years with the Paducah Police, Mr. Cunningham retired from public service and worked 13 years at Martin Marietta as a security guard. He was honored as a Duke of Paducah as well as a Kentucky Colonel.

Surviving are his son, Patrick Cunningham of San Francisco CA; his daughter, Pamela Piers of Paducah, and his stepdaughter Marlene Roberts of Tennessee; his grandchildren, Elizabeth Lahr, Brian Medlin, Wallace Medlin, Gene Wilson, Anna Roberts, Brenda Roberts and seven great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Naomi Stem Cunningham; his parents, Leo Wallace Cunningham and Lois Renfro Cunningham; his son, Paul Cunningham; his stepson, Jerry Wilson; and one daughter, Patricia Medlin.

Mr. Cunningham was cremated by The Cremation Society of Paducah and arrangements were conducted by Lindsey Funeral Home.

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