Donald Van Cunningham's Obituary
October 30, 1941 – July 26, 2021
Family, Ethics, Honor, Love and above all, Laughter, defined our father, grandfather and great grandfather.
Donald Van Cunningham passed away on July 26, 2021, in Covington, LA.
He was born the eldest of identical twins on October 30, 1941, in New Orleans, LA. Donald graduated with honors from Warren Easton High School in 1959. He went on to graduate from Tulane University with a BS in Chemistry. He was an expert in the water treatment industry and earned the respect of colleagues and customers industry wide throughout his six-decade career. He loved to work and counted his many customers and colleagues among his family. His expertise, ethics, and best practices for his customers form his professional legacy.
He lived his life for his family, taking care of everyone he loved through life-altering tragedies. He married his college sweetheart in 1963, Lynne Froeba Cunningham, to whom he was committed his entire life. He enjoyed adventures with his youngest daughter in Colorado and spent every moment he could with his grandsons. Known as PaPa to his four grandchildren, his weekends were filled with field trips with them. He fostered a love for nature and science in them with frequent trips to the Audubon Zoo, Aquarium of the Americas, or any other place that would enrich their minds. Through it all, he gave the gift of laughter to everyone he knew. Whether it was his favorite polar bear joke or a spur of the moment quip, Donald had a unique ability to fill a room with laughter.
He was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Edward Earl Cunningham, Sr. and Merieum Andignac Cunningham; twin brother, Ronald W. Cunningham; mother-in-law, Alma “Sweets” Froeba; father-in-law Robert T. Froeba, Jr.; his exceptional son-in-law, Eric Babcock, who was his favorite gourmet chef; and his very special grandpup, Stacy. His role model in life was his late grandfather-in-law, Robert T. “Ruby” Froeba, Sr., who shared his abilities to spread joy, laughter, and happiness.
Donald is survived by his older brother, Edward Earl Cunningham, Jr. (Betty), and his younger brother, Lawrence Harold Cunningham (Mary Ann); children Donna Cunningham Donnelly (Larry), Cynthia Cunningham Babcock (Eric), Douglas Cunningham (Phebe), and Keri Cunningham (Karen); Grandchildren Brittany Donnelly, Brandon Donnelly, Kyle Babcock, Tyler Babcock, and Blake Babcock (Jessica); Great Grandchildren Ryley Donnelly, Mackenzie Babcock, Joel Babcock; and his beloved grand-pups, Evie, Scout, Cooper, Frankie and Jack.
Due to the Covid outbreak and for Donald’s loved ones to reach full immunity of the Covid vaccine, a Celebration of Donald’s Life will be held at the Family Farm on Friday, October 22, 2021, at 4:00 p.m. If necessary, family and friends should call (504) 722-9810 for directions. Please Share a Memory on the Tribute Wall at www.ejfieldingfh.com.
What’s your fondest memory of Donald?
What’s a lesson you learned from Donald?
Share a story where Donald's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Donald you’ll never forget.
How did Donald make you smile?