Bill Text: WV HCR17 | 2022 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Daniel Okey Cunningham Memorial Bridge
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 1-0)
Status: (Passed) 2022-03-11 - House received Senate message [HCR17 Detail]
Download: West_Virginia-2022-HCR17-Introduced.html
HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 17
(By Delegate Westfall)
[Introduced January 17, 2022]
Requesting the Division of Highways name bridge number 18·021/22-000.49 () (18A245), locally known as Sycamore Creek Bridge #1, carrying County Route 21/22 over Sycamore Creek in Jackson County, the “U.S. Army CWO3 Daniel Okey Cunningham Memorial Bridge”.
Whereas, Daniel Okey Cunningham was born on September 22, 1941, to Okey and Mildred Cunningham at their homestead near Ripley, West Virginia; and
Whereas, Daniel Okey Cunningham, known to most people as “Danny,” enlisted in the United States Army immediately after high school and was deployed to Korea; and
Whereas, Following his service in Korea, he joined the U.S. Army Reserves and eventually attained the rank of Chief Warrant Officer Three; and
Whereas, Danny Cunningham continued to be active in veterans’ affairs long after he concluded his service in the Reserves, becoming a life member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3488, and a member of American Legion Post 107 and the Military Officers Association of America; and
Whereas, On October 4, 1963, following his return from his overseas deployment, Danny Cunningham married Dorothy Easter, whom he had known since he was nine years old. The two of them saved until they were able to purchase property along Sycamore Road where they built their own home by themselves. Through their industry and enterprise, they were able to pay off their mortgage on the property within one and a half years. Danny and Dorothy raised four children and were married for 51 years until his passing; and
Whereas, Danny Cunningham was employed with the Kaiser Aluminum Company at their plant in Ravenswood and worked there diligently until his retirement; and
Whereas, He continued to stay active after his retirement, caring for the cattle, chickens, doves, and sheep at his farm, tending to his bees, and growing vegetables. He also was a skilled woodworker who created many beautiful masterpieces in wood during his lifetime; and
Whereas, Soon after his retirement, Daniel Okey Cunningham developed Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder as a result of exposure to asbestos while he was employed, yet he continued to stay active and to push himself in activities at his home and in his community. Eventually, he succumbed to the ravages of the disease after saying, “I love my family. I love my family so much” before his passing; and
Whereas, Daniel Okey Cunningham was known as a man who was devoted to his country and who greatly enjoyed sharing his time and knowledge with the people of his community; and
Whereas, It is fitting that an enduring memorial be established to commemorate Chief Warrant Officer Daniel Okey Cunningham and his contributions to our state and country; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the Division of Highways is hereby requested to name bridge number 18·021/22-000.49 () (18A245), locally known as Sycamore Creek Bridge #1, carrying County Route 21/22 over Sycamore Creek in Jackson County, the “U.S. Army CWO3 Daniel Okey Cunningham Memorial Bridge”; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Division of Highways is hereby requested to have made and be placed signs identifying the bridge as the “U.S. Army CWO3 Daniel Okey Cunningham Memorial Bridge”; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Clerk of the House forward a copy of this resolution to the Commissioner of the Division of Highways.
