Roll Call Tribute

Published in Houston Chronicle on Dec. 4, 2014

Allen Cunningham(1932 - 2014)

Allen Baxter Cunningham 
1932-2014
ALLEN BAXTER CUNNINGHAM passed away November 29, 2014. He was born in Houston, Texas on March 13, 1932. He was an Honor Student at Milby High School and played third base on the Varsity Baseball Team. Allen received both his Bachelor and Master of Science in electrical engineering from Texas A&M in 1954 and 1957, respectively. He was a member of the Corps of Cadets, Fish Baseball team, Student Electrical Engineering Society, and Dean's Engineering Council. He was awarded the Engineering Faculty Senior Award for Excellence in 1954. Following graduation he married Jean Miller and served on active duty with the United States Air Force, attaining the rank of First Lieutenant. Their first assignment was in San Antonio, Texas. While in the Air Force, Allen received his first patent for cryptographic equipment development. Following his military service, Allen and Jean moved to Houston, TX. Allen worked for 30 years in geophysical exploration and research for Exxon. 
He was a member of the Institute of Electrical Engineers, Society of Exploration Geophysicists, Houston Model "A" Restorers Club (former president), Houston Reserve Officers Association, Houston Power Squadron, and The Bay Area Senior Softball Association. Allen was a "Life Member" of the George Bush Presidential Library. As a member of Christ Methodist UMC Church, he was church council chair, staff parish chair, and taught the Japanese art of paper folding known as "origami" to the church's youth outreach program. 
Allen and Jean were active and avid supporters of Texas A&M University. They were members of the Texas A&M Foundation (legacy society members), 12th Man Foundation, and The Association of Former Students. Allen served on the Corps Development Council. Allen had served as co-class agent for the class of '54 since 1999, and helped organize the class's 60th reunion last fall. Allen and Jean donated funds toward the renovation of the Memorial Student Center (MSC) and have a meeting room in the MSC named in their honor. They funded 4 scholarships: Mr. and Mrs. Allen B. Cunningham '54 Presidents' Endowed Scholarship, Jean and Allen B. Cunningham '54 Sul Ross Scholarship, and Jean and Allen B. Cunningham '54 General Rudder Corps Scholarship 1 and 2. Allen and Jean "hoped their contributions would enable others to have the same opportunities we have had." 
Allen was an accomplished craftsman, working in both wood and metal. He enjoyed sailing and designed and then built his first sailboat. While travelling, Allen would carry his sketchbook and draw buildings he found interesting. No detail was omitted and they were always drawn to scale. Allen was generous with his talents and dedicated to mentoring and encouraging others. He was much admired and appreciated by those who knew him. His kindness and humility will be missed. 
Allen was preceded in death by his parents, Hugh Baxter Cunningham and Bettie G. Cunningham. He is survived by his sister, Linda Wild of Kerrville, Texas, numerous cousins and long time friends. 
A visitation will be held on Saturday, December 6, 2014 in the Rosewood Chapel, 2602 S. Houston Ave., Humble, Texas at 9:00 A.M. with services at 10:00 A.M. Burial will be immediately following in the Rosewood Cemetery. Serving as Pallbearers: Luke Altendorf, Richard Washburn, Bill Kerber, Doug Busker, Bob Pond, and Lloyd Gray. Honorary Pallbearers: members of the Houston Model "A" Restorers Club.
If you so desire, the family requests that gifts be made to the Texas A&M Foundation Memorial Scholarship Fund. Checks should be made payable to the Texas A&M Foundation and mailed to 401 George Bush Drive, College Station, Texas 77840-2811. Please note on your check "in memory of Mr. and Mrs. Allen B. Cunningham".

Funeral Home

Rosewood Funeral Home in Humble
2602 South Houston Avenue Humble, TX 77396
(281) 441-2171