Claude Cuniff

August 14, 1927 - February 26, 2019

Claude “Pete” Cuniff, Jr., 91, of Winnie, died Tuesday, February 26, 2019, at The Arboretum of Winnie. He was born to Claude Clifton Cuniff, Sr. and Nancy Belle Young, on August 14, 1927, in Big Hill. Pete loved gardening and was an avid sports fan, especially the Rockets, Astros, and Cowboys. He loved meeting people and never met a stranger. Pete’s love of travel took him to all fifty states, as well as Canada and Mexico. He was an extremely devoted father and grandfather.

In 1944, Pete left school at the age of 16, and joined the Navy.  He served as an electrician’s mate on the USS President Hayes, a troop transport in the Pacific Theater. He participated in the battles of Saipan, Guam, Leyte Gulf, and Okinawa.  He was a member of Veterans of Underage Military Service and the VFW.  His children and grandchildren were always intrigued by the tattoos on his arms:  one was the Texas Star and the other a Navy anchor.   
 

Survivors include his wife, La-Nell Cuniff, of Winnie; and his children: Troy Cuniff and his wife, Wanda, of Nacogdoches; Vicki Bauer and her husband, Tim, of Winnie; Lois Griffiths and her husband, Ian, of Lumberton; and Travis Cuniff, of Humble. Also, he is survived by his stepchildren: Sandra Chambers and her husband, Steve, of Montgomery; Tommy Tucker and his wife, Cathy, of Devers; Sally Shirley, of Bixby, Oklahoma; Jimmy Tucker and his wife, Maureen, of Ocean Springs, Mississippi; Alan Tucker and his wife Anjolie, of California; his grandchildren, Joe Cuniff and his wife, Kelli; Claire Ripper and her husband, Eric; Lance Bauer and his wife, Lisa; Cody Bauer; Brooke Bozarth and her husband, Major Cooper Bozarth; Nicole Reck and her husband, Matt; Michelle Smalley and her husband, Harry; Amanda Nabors and her husband, Ernest; Robin Moore; Devin Cuniff; Laura Benoit and her husband, Glenn; and Heather Cuniff; thirty-four great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.

Pete is preceded in death by his first wife, Molly Lee Barnett Cuniff; and nine brothers and sisters.

A gathering of Mr. Cuniff’s family and friends will begin at 1:00 p.m., with his funeral service beginning at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, March 2, 2019, at First Baptist Church, 120 West Pear Avenue, Winnie, under the direction of Broussard’s, 134 West Buccaneer Drive, Winnie. His interment will follow at China Cemetery, China.

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China Cemetery

China Cemetery
  • 30.059930 -94.344110

Funeral Service

Funeral Service
  • 120 east pear winnie tx 77665
  • 03/02/2019
  • 2:00 pm

Broussard's Mortuary - Winnie, TX

Broussard's Mortuary - Winnie, TX
  • 120 east pair street winnie tx 77665
  • 03/02/2019
  • 4:14 pm

Broussard's Mortuary - Winnie, TX

Broussard's Mortuary - Winnie, TX
  • 134 buccaneer drive winnie tx 77665

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Comments
Russell & Mary Simon

My prayers and thoughts are with the family. I can still remember the times Pop welcomed me in his home as a daughter. He was the perfect example of a truly Christian and family man. May God receive his angel and grant comfort and love to the family.

Suzie and Kenny Ortego

Mr. Cuniff will be missed. He was a great guy. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of sorrow. Sincerely, Suzie and Kenny Ortego

Mike & vicki Allen

Our sweet Pete., you will be missed by many. You were always a joy to be around and loved hearing about your travels & adventures. Thanks for all the stories about the family also. I never saw you mad & always so happy & jolly. Hope your having a sweet reunion in Heaven until we meet again!!!!

Betty Peebles

You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

Catherine deVillier

I am sorry for your loss. I'll always remember him as being so kind and respectful to everyone. Let's just say - it was always fun to be around him.

Ted Dailey

So sorry.. know he will be greatly missed! Thoughts and prayers with all in his family, God's peace and acceptance for you!!

Juanita Kahla

Sorry for your loss. He was a very nice man

Debbie & Helen Ealker

LaNell our thoughts and prayers are with you and family

Bernice & Russell Farrow

Prayers for Vicki and Tim and all of the family. Mr. Pete will be so greatly missed. He always made you happy and he always supported his children in what ever they were interested in. I loved Mr. Pete too. I will see him in heaven and get to meet all the rest of his family.

Jane Leger and family

Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. May God Bless.❤❤ Blessings. Jane Leger family

Nita Clark Hoelscher

A life well lived for sure. He will surely be missed by so many, but what wonderful memories the family has. Rest in Peace, Mr. Pete.

LINDA SCHMUCK BROUSSARD

As Pete journeyed to Glory a part of my heart did also. I’ve loved Pete as long as long as I’ve known him, just a fixture in our family as far back as I can remember! He had a perpetual smile and radiant spirit, a friendly picker-upper and an encouraging, go-get-um word. He left tracks on many hearts and will be lovingly remembered by each of us that his life touched. What a legacy he leaves for his beautiful family. that he so adored! Honor him by living and loving life and people as much as he did. I thank God for the privilege of having Pete in my life. I pray sweet memories surround and comfort you at this time. My heart hurts with each of you. Linda