Rev. Donald Cunningham (’57) | School of Theology – Boston University

The following obituary was originally published by California-Nevada Conference  and can be found  here. It is with deep sadness that we inform you that our brother Rev. Donald Cunningham, died on January 14, 2026. Don served the California-Nevada Conference pastoring at Cherry Valley UMC, Chowchilla UMC, Dairyland UMC, Woodside Road UMC, First UMC Church, Oakland, and Burlingame UMC, until his retirement (1998). He later served as Pastor Emeritus at Twin Towers UMC. He also served as Shasta District Superintendent, Program Council Director, General Conference Delegate (California-Nevada Conference). Don was born January 28th, 1933 (Modesto, CA). He grew up in Ceres, CA graduating President of his Class (1950). He received honors throughout school including ‘Letters’ in Football, Basketball, Tennis, Track and field. He attended his local UMC, singing in the choir. He spent freshman year at UC Berkeley, then graduated from University of Pacific (1954 BA; Religious studies). He sang in the a cappella choir, where he met his beautiful wife, Lillian Wilson. Rev. Don graduated from Boston University School of Theology. Don strongly believed in God’s grace, and the spiritual knowledge we are all God’s children deserving of love, kindness, equity, and inclusion. He fought for the civil rights of
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