Newton Hansel Cunningham was born at home in Chouteau, Oklahoma, to Robert and Mary (Broyhill) Cunningham on April 20, 1953. Newton passed away surrounded by the love of his family on July 8, 2026, at his home. He lived in Chouteau his whole life and graduated from Chouteau high school in 1971.

In his early years, Newton worked for Reynolds French in Tulsa and Hope Lumber in Pryor. In 1985, he met and married the love of his life, Shirley, and together they built a life in Chouteau both bringing children from previous marriages. Newton brought with him three daughters; Shandra, Shannon, and Leslie. Shirley brought with her four children; Liz, Joanna, John, and Mandy. Together, Newton and Shirley had three children; Helen, Cody and Billy.In 1988, he started at the Pryor Foundry where he retired in 2019. 

Newton was a chartering member of the Green Country Tractor Club. He was well known for his strength and being able to lift a sledgehammer one-handed. He loved to play Santa Claus for his grandkids, which brought him great joy. Newton also loved the outdoors and spending time on the farm, fishing, and collecting coins, pencils, nails, and keychains. Above all, he loved to be surrounded by his family. He was a devoted Christian and Godly man who instilled those beliefs in his children. He made so many memories with his kids whether it was baling hay, fishing, helping with homework or sleeping outside under the stars.

He is survived by his wife Shirley of the home, three sons; Cody Cunningham and wife Korina of Pryor, OK, Billy Cunningham and wife Jessica of Chouteau, OK, and John Waechter of Oklahoma City, OK. His seven Daughters; Helen Hadley and husband Matt of Pryor, OK, Mandy McAlexander and husband Scot of Claremore, OK, Leslie Johnston and husband Johnny of Locust Grove, OK, Shannon Randles and husband Dusty of Locust Grove, OK, Shandra Cunningham and wife Amanda of Locust Grove, OK, Joanna Arp of Waco, TX, and Liz Harcrow and husband Blake of Lorena, TX. In addition to his children, he is survived by 22 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents Robert and Mary (Broyhill) Cunningham, Brother Alfred Cunningham, Nephew Ed Cunningham, Niece Alfreda Cunningham and two uncles.Newton will be remembered for his hard work, his love for his family, and the many memories he made along the way. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. 

Graveside services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, July 14, 2026, at the Cunningham Family Cemetery with Andy Nichols officiating. Cody Cunningham, Billy Cunningham, Thomas Hadley, Matt Hadley, Jacob Martin, Corben Hadley, Scot McAlexander and Johnny Johnston will be serving as casket bearers. A visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Monday, July 13, 2026, at Shipman’s Funeral Home in Pryor. To leave a personal message, please visit his guestbook at www.shipmansfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Shipman’s Funeral & Cremation Service of Pryor.