June 7, 1923 – September 17, 2015
Norman Eugene Cunningham passed away peacefully in his sleep at the Richard Campbell Veteran’s Nursing home, Anderson SC; he was 92 years old.
Prior to his three years of nursing home care, Norman lived with his daughter, Tara Wyatt and her family, on their farm in Starr, SC. He left Bakersfield after the death of his second wife, Justine, in 2005.
Norman owned and operated Cunningham Veterinary Hospital on “M” Street for over 30 years. He provided care for thousands of dogs, cats and the occasional cougar, monkey, bird, and various cage pets. His veterinary practice was his passion.
In April of 1944 he left Washington State University to become a rifleman in George Patton’s 3rd Army 5th Division. Norman served as a Private First Class in France. He garnered his Purple Heart in Metz, Germany and was honorably discharged in September of 1945. Shortly thereafter, he returned to college and earned his doctorate in Veterinary Medicine.
Norman is survived by his first wife, Anne Marzee Cunningham, his son, Don Cunningham, his daughter, Tara Wyatt, two grandsons, Sam Wyatt and Gene Wyatt, and a great-grandson, Brice Wyatt.
Memorial donations may be made to Guide Dogs for the Blind, PO Box 17068, Baltimore, MD 21297-0343, or to your local Salvation Army.
Published by Bakersfield Californian on Sep. 18, 2015.