Marvin Arlo Cunningham, Sr.

Marvin Arlo Cunningham, Sr., 88, passed away peacefully on Monday, July 25, 2022 at Masonic Village at Elizabethtown. Born Friday, September1, 1933 in Batavia, Iowa, he was the son of the late Robert J. and Nellie (Eller) Cunningham. He was married 60 years to Rosalie (Brackett) Cunningham.

Marvin was a graduated of United Township High School in East Maline, IL. He served 25 years in the US Navy, in both Korea and Vietnam, retiring in 1977 as a Chief Petty Officer. After retirement, Marvin was the Manager of Correctional Industry for the PA Department of Corrections, Graterford, PA. He was a member of Dallas United Methodist Church where he served as a Lay Leader.

A 60 year Mason, Marvin’s Masonic Journey is quite extensive. He was originally a member of Silvis Lodge No. 898, AF & AM, Grand Lodge of Illinois. In 1980 he transferred to Warren Lodge No. 310, F&AM, serving there as Worshipful Master in 1985. He served as Senior Instructor for the 6th Masonic District 1986-87 and it’s President in 1987. He was also a member of Valley of Allentown, NMJ. Muhlenberg Lodge of Perfection and Lehigh Consistory. He was Coroneted a 33 Degree Mason in Pittsburgh in 2000. He was a member of Lulu Shrine and Hutchinson Commandery No. 32, Knights Templar, in addition to numerous affiliated Masonic bodies. Marvin began his Grand Lodge journey serving as District Deputy Grand Master from 1988-1995 culminating as Right Worshipful Grand Master, Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania 2002-2003.

Surviving in addition to his wife Rosalie are his son Robert J. Cunningham of Lexington, SC; his daughter Florence “Lori” Shumpert and husband Kevin of Lexington, SC; two grandchildren: Jeremy Shumpert and Samantha Stevens and three great grandchildren.

Marvin was predeceased by a son Marvin A. Jr., a grandson Benjamin C. Shumpert; two brothers: Ezra and Dallas Cunningham, and a sister Ariel Bates.

Services will be held at the John S. Memorial Chapel, Masonic Village, Elizabethtown, PA 17022 on Monday, August 1, 2022. Viewing will be from 10:00-11:00 AM. A Masonic Service will be conducted at 11:00 AM followed by a Funeral Service honoring Marvin’s life. Interment with Military Honors will take place in Limerick Garden of Memories, 44 Swamp Pike, Limerick, PA 19468 at 2:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Marvin’s memory to Masonic Village, One Masonic Drive, Elizabethtown, PA 17022.

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