Harold Cunning

Harold Henry Cunning

“Hook”

Age 89 of South Wilmington, passed away Tuesday, June 1, 2021 at Heritage Health in Dwight.

Born March 10, 1932 in Custer Park, Illinois, Harold Henry was a son of James and Margaret (Weikum) Cunning. He was educated through the 8th grade when he left school to go to work for his father. At the age of 16, Hook gained his Carpenters Card and recalled working at the school his friends were attending. He entered into the United States Air Force on April 11, 1951; served on the 512th Fighter Bomber Squadron and was honorably discharged, Sgt. Harold H. Cunning, USAF on July 31, 1953. Following his discharge, Hook gained employment with Benoit Brick Layers in Peotone. It was here where he worked for the following 6 years leading up to the establishment of Cunning Construction, Inc., which he owned and operated for decades. Hook’s lifetime of building erected countless schools, corporate buildings, churches, gas stations and municipal buildings, as well as various other new construction and renovation projects. Hook remained active until his final days continuing to manage his farm holdings. He was a member of the VFW and a lifetime member of the American Disabled Veterans.

Survivors include children: Donna Cunning of Chicago, Dean (Kyle) Cunning of Gardner, and Lori (Willie) Quigley of Braidwood; four grandchildren: Sara Cunning of Miami, Florida, Lauren Quigley (Jeramie Bublitz) of Chicago, Brandon Cunning (Lauren Homerding) of Essex and Lyndsey (Corey) Trammel of Coal City; two great grandsons: Gauge and Gentry Trammel; 2 sisters: Alyce Mae (the late Bill) Rink of Wilmington, Shirley (John) Cavanaugh of Custer Park and two brothers: Raymond (the late Kay) Cunning of Calumet, Oklahoma and Donald (Jody) Cunning of Sebring, Florida.

Hook was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Thomas; two brothers: William (Dolly) Cunning and Robert (Lorraine) Cunning, and two sisters: Faye (Ray) Lain and Minnie (Al) LeRoy.

The family will receive friends for a visitation at Baskerville Funeral Home, 700 East Kahler Road in Wilmington on Saturday, June 5, 2021 from 9:00 a.m. until the time of funeral service 12:00 noon. Burial with military honors will follow in Oakwood Cemetery, Wilmington.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Hook’s memory to Kuzma Care Cottage, 635 S. Main Street, Wilmington, IL 60481.

Family and friends are encouraged to sign the guest book, upload photographs and share Hook’s memorial page online through social media by logging onto: www.BaskervilleFuneral.com/obituary/Harold-Cunning

Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Baskerville Funeral Home in Wilmington. (815-476-2181)