Milton “Dean” Cunningham, JR.

MILTON “DEAN” CUNNINGHAM, JR.

Milton “Dean” Cunningham, Jr. was born September 17, 1967 in Sedalia, Missouri and departed this life on May 21, 2025 at St. Luke’s Hospital of Kansas City, surrounded by the love of his family, at the age of 57 years, 8 months and 4 days.

He was the son of Milton Dean Cunningham, Sr. and Connie Lee (Pilkenton) Cunningham.

Dean spent most of his younger years in Sedalia, Missouri where he graduated from high school. After graduation, he proudly served his country in the United States Army. Dean returned to Missouri after his honorable discharge from the military and attended culinary school in Springfield, Missouri, to become a chef. He began his culinary career in Montana, where he helped build a restaurant from the ground up, and served as the head chef. After living in Montana for several years, Dean moved back to Missouri where he attended UMKC, then the University of Central Missouri, majoring in art history. Dean received his Associates Degree from UCM.

On February 14, 2017, Dean was united in marriage with Ashley Michele Johnson. He had met Ashley when they both attended Yeokum Jr. High School in Belton, Missouri, and they were married in front of the door at the school where they first met. After their marriage, Dean and Ashley made their home in Raymore, Missouri for 2 years before moving to Cockrell, Missouri. While living in Cockrell, Dean and Ashley owned and operated an antique store for 3 years. Unfortunately, during this time, Dean’s health began to fail and they were eventually forced to give up their beloved store.

Being very artistically talented, Dean loved working on his lathe, wood carving and sculpting. He even bought a machine from the 1800’s, to make brooms, and mastered the craft. Dean also enjoyed working on old chevy trucks.

Dean was totally devoted to his family, especially his grandchildren. Even with his health failing and his long hospitalizations, his foremost thoughts were of his family and the love he had for them.

Dean was preceded in death by his father, Milton Dean Cunningham, Sr.; his mother, Connie Lee Bjur and one sister, Kimberly Hoeper.

He is survived by his wife, Ashley Michele Cunningham of the home; Son, Christopher David Blair of Lone Jack, Missouri; daughters, Macee Alexis Blair of Chicago, Illinois, Victoria Rose Blair and Auttum Grace Blair both of Raymore, Missouri; two grandsons, Kolton Lucas and Jaxon Lee, other relatives and many friends.

Cremation has been accorded. No services are scheduled at this time.