Floyd Mitchell Cunningham, Jr., affectionally known as Mitch, was born in Lyon County Iowa to Floyd Mitchell Cunningham, Sr. and Ethel Rayness Cunningham both teachers who shaped his commitment to education. He grew up on a farm in Warren County where he developed the discipline and strong work ethic that guided him throughout his life.

He attended Iowa State University, excelling in mathematics and earning a bachelor’s degree in engineering. After graduating, he met and married Kathleen Jane Anderson of Rolla, Missouri. Mitch went on to serve in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, including a deployment to West Germany, followed by service in the Army Reserve.

Following his military service, Mitch returned to Iowa State to complete both his master’s and doctoral degrees. He began his academic career as a Professor of Agricultural Engineering at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University in Blacksburg, Virginia. Later joined the University of Missouri–Rolla as a Professor of Engineering Mechanics, where he was committed to academically preparing students with both the theoretical foundations and the practical skills essential to engineering.

After the passing of his wife, Kathy, Mitch reconnected to his roots in Warren County, where he later married Mary Brommel Beck. Mitch and Mary enjoyed many years of retirement in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas, where they found joy in square dancing, playing tennis, and building friendships within their community. Later they returned to Indianola to be closer to family and friends. Throughout his life, he remained a faithful member of the United Methodist Church, from his early days at Center Chapel to his later years at Indianola UMC.

Mitch was preceded in death by his parents, his wife (Kathleen Cunningham) and his second wife (Mary Cunningham). He leaves behind six children: David, Dana, Darcy, Denise, Diane (Tayon) and Debra; and four grandchildren Timothy Cunningham, Clare Cunningham, Jill Tayon and Laura Tayon — who will remember him for his quiet strength, steady guidance, and enduring support.

Services will be held at a later date.