Wathen "Watty" Cunningham

Wathen Cunningham, familiarly known as Watty, passed away on October 11, 2023, in his hometown of Wichita, Kansas. He was born on December 2, 1938, to Helen and Hughes Cunningham in Wichita. Watty's education began at Blessed Sacrament School and continued at St. Gregory's High School in Shawnee, Oklahoma. Following high school, he earned his degree at the University of Kansas School of Liberal Arts.

For the past 30 years, Watty enjoyed his career in commercial real estate.

Family was at the heart of Watty's life, and holidays held a special place in his heart. Christmas was his favorite time of the year. He loved having everyone at home and making the same Christmas candy he enjoyed during his childhood. His immense love for his wife Barbara and their family served as an example to all of his children. As a devout Catholic, he found solace and purpose in his faith. Watty became an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion within his church community.

Watty enjoyed cooking, gardening, and tending his pond. At the age of 50, Watty reignited his passion for playing the drums. He lent his skills to various bands performing at local nightspots in Wichita. Additionally, he volunteered his time and talent at Catholic Care and many retirement homes as well as improvisational jam sessions with both friends and family. In recent years one of his favorite activities was joining the daily morning mass via live stream on his computer. He especially enjoyed the times the mass was said in Latin, and he often commented that this activity was a great way to start the day. Watty was most proud of his family, particularly his grandchildren and their accomplishments. Their successes filled him with immense joy and pride.

In addition to being reunited with Barbara, Watty was preceded in death by his parents Helen and Hughes Cunningham, along with sisters Janice Susanin and Sandra Cunningham.

He is survived by his sister Lorna Dedrick, daughters Amy Brock (Mark) and Molly Shawver (John), son Brian Cunningham (Amy), as well as grandchildren Lily Shawver Johnson (Andrew), Sophie Shawver, Rose Cunningham, Gwyneth Cunningham, Jude Cunningham, and Charlotte Brock.

A Rosary will be held at 10:00 am and Memorial Mass will be held at 10:30 am on Wednesday, November 8th at the Church of the Magdalen. A reception will follow immediately afterwards at the Cozine Life Events Center.

Watty's legacy will live on through the memories he created and the love he shared. May his soul rest in eternal peace.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Watty’s name to:

The Lord’s Diner

520 N. Broadway

Wichita, KS 67214

OR

Kansas Humane Society

3313 N. Hillside

Wichita, KS 67219