Obituary
Nicholas Anthony Cunningham, 38, of Lee’s Summit, MO passed away on January 22, 2021 at North Kansas City Hospital.
Nick was born July 30, 1982 to Charleen and Chris Cunningham. He grew up in Lee’s Summit with his parents and sister Megan.
Nick was a star athlete, a state champion wrestler and football player. He loved working with his hands. He worked as a carpenter and always worked in construction.
Nick was known for his kind and loving nature. He always had a smile on his face. He never said no to anyone who needed help. He must have moved furniture for everyone he knew. Nick kept everyone laughing. He was a great instigator and could always find something to tease you about. Nick would find your weakest spot, tease you incessantly about it until he made you laugh and you didn’t worry about it anymore. Nick always remembered what brought joy to you. If he ever found it, he would always pick it up for you. He was his grandma Rosemary’s favorite.
Nick is survived by his mother and father, Charleen and Chris Cunningham; sister, Megan Lamb; brother- in-Law, Devin; niece, Sadie; girlfriend, Blair Cook; dog, Vinnie and his cats Butlers and Margarine. He is also survived by many loving aunts, uncles, cousins, and amazing friends.
He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Tom and Rosemary Moore and Ed and Kathy Cunningham.
A visitation will be at Langsford Funeral Home, 115 SW. 3rd Street, Lee’s Summit, MO on Friday, January 29, 2021 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
In lieu of flowers, family would like donation’s made to Children’s Mercy Hospital Cancer Research.
Nick, you were the G.O.A.T. (greatest of all time)! We hope you are happy and pain free. You will forever be missed.
Condolences
Visitation
Lee’s Summit, MO 64063
Hugs to all of you during this difficult time.
Nick was a good friend of mine growing up, running the neighborhood, elementary classes, getting in trouble in junior high, playing sports, etc etc. , my stepmom was his bus driver for a couple years as well. You simply couldn’t NOT have a smile or laugh when around him. He was a larger than life character and personality. No doubt he loved to joke or harass you and at time pissed you off. But there’s never been a doubt about his sincerity and genuineness to his friends and family. Nick was also a very smart dude, I think he downplayed some of that book smarts he had but we had many classes together, he was clever. Nick and I got in a bit of a scuffle in junior high which landed us in Mrs. Fritchie’s office and both got ISS for 3 days, the good ole days! Nick was a loyal guy, didn’t care or buy other people’s BS and he blazed his own trail. Loved-love that dude. Over the past few years when I think about different deaths I think a lot about a lyric of one my favorite musicians that says “some of us die because we are without life, some of us die because we are beyond life”. My grandma just passed away, same day as Nick, she lived a long full life. Nick, from his larger than life persona to doing things his own way was beyond life. He has great things to do and achieve and there’s not a doubt in my mind he’ll be doing them with a big smile and cracking jokes. Love you Nick, see ya soon my friend.
Rowden
My deepest condolences to the Cunningham family. It pained me a great deal to hear this news. I would like to just briefly share Nick and my story though.
Back when I first moved to Lee’s Summit in ’88 Nick and I lived on the same street. He became my first friend. That friendship continued these next 33 years.
We shared so much…July b-days, miniature baseball cards, boats at James A. Reed, meat loaf. The list goes on. Heck the dude even built the front porch where I
would share so many treasured moments with my own family these last 11 years.
He was a friend to me in the purest sense and became one of those rare
people that not by blood but by love…became family. I cherish all those moments we spent together from whole summer’s living amphibious lives at
varying pools throughout Lee’s Summit to paying our debt to society together & breathing in that glorious “dump air” before there was anything known as
the Public Dumping Area at the Lee’s Summit dump.
Just like our friendship, Nick was authentic. That laugh…stuff of legend, infectious. Even in these later years, where we only keep in touch by phone I could feel his presence by the way he uttered each word. Presence…Nick had this in spades. And his presence is with me this day – and all those memories live in us & should be celebrated with the same exuberance of the life that Nick blessed us all with.
Here’s to my true friend & brother…I’ll always remember you as the captain of the boat, you standing at the bow & demanding “RAMMING SPEED” as we propelled through this thing called life.
Remembering sharing all our kid stories while working in the ER with you Charleen. My heart & prayers goes out to you, Chris, & Megan & the rest of family . I’m thinking of you all, Sincerely, Mary Kay
Char and Chris, I am heartbroken to hear that you have lost your son Nick. My sisters and I pray together daily for the end of the pandemic and all of our friends who are sick from any cause and those who are grieving. We will pray for you and your family.
Char,
I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your son. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Nick will be sorely missed by all. While he may have had to deal with a great many demons (maybe even more so than anyone realized), Nick always had a smile to give and projected a positive attitude. He had an incredible intellect that was evident not only in his quick wit, but in his ability to understand, comprehend and discuss virtually any subject or topic. Nick left us way too soon and his passing leaves a void that simply can’t be filled. He truly was special with a one of kind personality – I will miss him.
Heartfelt condolences & Prayers to Char, Chris, Megan and Blair (& Aunt Laureen) and his all of his family and friends.
So, so sorry of your loss… will be thinking of your family…
Karen Williams
Dear Char, Chris, and Meg, we are so sad to hear of Nick’s death. But, your tribute is beautiful and that’s how we will remember him. Prayers for all of you.
Love, Uncle Lawrence and Aunt Gerry
Oh my sweet boy Nicholas I will miss you so very much. You were so loved and will be missed for your quick wit, handsome smile, generous nature, thoughtfulness, and how great you were at stirring up all kinds of fun. Definately the best instigator. Look at everyone you touched. You were amazing. I only wish you believed that. I am glad you are free from any of the burdens you felt here on earth and that you are with grandma and grandpa. I love you my beautiful boy. Don’t really leave me. Send Smurfs when you can.
Nick, may you Rest In Peace. Knowing your kind heart for over 20 years, I can’t believe you are gone. You will forever be remembered.
Love you,
Autumn Coleman
I went to High School with Nick. We were friends as he was friends with everyone he met. I’m so sorry for your loss. I’m heartbroken ? myself!
Nick and I moved into the Penguin Park Oxford at the same time. He and I became friends and would always tell people that I used to wrestle bears and lions in the woods. He made up these tales because I was once homeless and made the woods my home. He would get such a kick out of the stories I would tell him that I had. He always had a million questions for me. He and I then worked for McCownGordon together at Childrens Mercy Hospital. Never short of a laugh, we could find the humor in anything. We had such a blast learning to work the crane with one another and driving the crane operator crazy with our inexperience. I have a huge smile on my face while writing this to you because this is how I was around Nick. I will miss him more than I could ever had thought to. My prayers to you you for your loss.
So sorry to hear about this loss. Such a joyful soul that brought a smile to everyone’s faces when he was around. Prayers for healing during this time. He’ll always be remembered as a jokester a friend and a big teddy bear.
Char/Chris – I’m so sorry to hear this. My love and prayers are with you.
I have known Nick all of his life. I have had the pleasure of celebrating many Holidays and Birthdays with Nick and all the family. I am very blessed. He was always cheerful and had a smile on his face. He teased my daughter and played with my granddaughter. We will miss him. I am so sorry. There are no words that can relieve the pain that you are feeling right now, but know that you are not alone as the prayers of all your friends and family surround you at this time.
As a parent myself, I can only imagine the depths of anguish you must be feeling now. Losing a child is one of the most difficult experiences that you can face. I know the dreams and plans you had for Nick are just memories now, but I hope someday that those memories will offer you comfort. I only hope that my words can convey a small portion of sympathy to you.
Love you
Linda Mills
Char and Chris,
We’re so sorry for your loss. Sending all the love and good mojo we have for you and yours.
Melanie and Susan
My deepest condolences to this awesome family. Nick and I 1st crossed paths on a little league baseball field. Due to his July birthday he aged 1 year ahead of me. Therefore I was able to play up a couple games for the Farmland team coached by Chris Cunningham. I dropped a fly ball in the outfield and Chris humbled me by making me wear bright green farmland sunglasses the rest of the game…lol. even at bat. From there Nick was a best friend of mine. We sure made a couple of extra grey hairs for Charlene and Chris over the years from gazebo crashes to sump pump stuff. Nick was a great friend to many and I know we all are shock and saddened by his passing. This has made me better by taking better care of my own health and strengthening my friendships moving forward. May you fly high up there my guy, you will be missed down here dearly. – Tyler Schaaf
My prayers and condolences to Nick’s family! Nick was a good friend in my younger days. We lived in the same ‘neighborhood’ (Bridgehampton) and used to run around causing trouble. I can remember days hanging out at his house and having sleepovers etc., in which at times I think drove Chris and Charleen crazy. We used to take trips to the gas station across 50 hwy via the big water drainage tunnel that ran underneath the hwy. I can also remember running around together on Halloween. Bottom line is that Nick was a fun, free spirited dude and funny as hell. Agree at times that he could tease you to press your buttons a little bit but he could always take it right back. He will be missed but know that’s he’s smiling and looking down on everyone he loves!! See you on the other side big guy ?
I’m so sorry for your loss… for our loss. Nick always brought a smile to my face. He was a presence and he will be missed.
Char,
You and your family is in my thoughts and prayers. Even though I did not your son Nick, reading about his amazing life he seemed like an amazing person and great son and friend. May his loving memory give you peace.
Man oh man big nick my heart is super heavy hearing this news you was my guy coming up in LS always was a fun loving friend cat definitely has my tongue right now but you’re in a better place now RIP BIG NICK ??
You were the sweetest of the sweetest. The kindest of the kind. My teddy bear nephew. The apple of all of our eyes. When you smiled we all smiled. And when you suffered we all suffered. You will be missed.
May you find your peace at last.
I’ll start by saying that Nick used to aggravate the crap out of me and everyone else that he knew especially his dad Chris…but always in a loving and kind way. I had the good fortune of meeting Chris and Charlene back in the early 80s and would consider them my best and closest friends. I watched Nick grow up from the time he was born until his passing at a Young age of 38 (way too soon). He was so witty and funny and I enjoyed being around him very much. Unfortunately Nick had to battle his demons for many years… He always had support from his family and friends and was loved by all. I was so saddened when I heard from his mom that he had lost his battle at such a young age… I love you my friend and I will always remember you… All of my love goes out to your family, and friends… You will be missed immensely.
Chris, Charleen, Megan, and family.
My deepest sympathies to you all. The few times I got to be around Nick the one thing I remember was his smile..seemed to always be smiling, just the way I want to remember him.
Ben and I are so so sorry.
Sending our love
Kacie and Benjamin Amonette
Chris, Charleen & family, we are deeply saddened to learn of Nick’s passing. We remember him as a funny and friendly guy, and a great baseball player. Chris and Nick made their LSBA baseball team a much-loved group and activity. Although we didn’t have any contact with Nick after those summers of baseball, we will forever have our very fond memories of Nick and your family. Our love, blessings and sympathy to you all.
I’m so terribly sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts, prayers , and in my heart ❤️
Nick, you were such a good spirit & hilarious personality. The world was blessed to have you. Prayers and love to your family and close friends in this difficult time.
We are so very sorry to hear about the passing of Nick. Nick always had a smile on his face and a heart as big as himself. A great athlete and enjoyed our years and memories made through all the sports. We will unfortunately be out of town and miss the visitation. Chris you and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers. Hugs
We are so saddened by your loss. We didn’t know Nick but I know he was very special.
We will keep you in our prayers and I will let my mom, Mary and family know. Love you.