WAYNE P. CUNNINGHAM, 87, passed away on August 17, 2026, in Las Cruces, NM. Wayne was born on July 14, 1939, in Miami, Oklahoma. He was the sixth child and a twin out of eight children in total.

In 1945, the family moved to Las Cruces, NM, and Wayne remained a life-long resident for 81 years. He attended Las Cruces High School where he was a member of FFA (Future Farmers of America) for three years. He went on to attend classes at NMSU.

In 1968, Wyne was elected Treasurer/Manager of Elephant Butte Irrigation District. He also led the operation and maintenance of the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation until 1980 (22 years). Wayne was then employed by the New Mexico Department of Agriculture at NMSU for 23 years as a water expert and consultant.

After retiring from the NM Department of Agriculture, Cunningham was employed as the District Manager of the Arch Hurley Conservancy in Tucumcari, NM, for 5 years. In addition, Cunningham was appointed Interim County Manager in Quay County.

Wayne served on numerous boards and commissions: National Water Resources Association, Interstate Stream Commission, Water Quality Control Commission, Western States Water Council, and NM Water Resources Association.

Wayne was a devout Christian his entire life. His favorite bible verse was Psalm 91. His hobbies included being a Charter member of the Borderland Antique Club Restoration Project and owning a 1931 Ford Model A Victoria.

Wayne Cunningham is survived by his brother, James Cunningham; twin brother, Walter Cunningham; sister, Kay Brunson; stepson, Matt Merrick; daughter, Cheryl Cunningham Bizien; daughter, Stephanie Ingersoll; grand-children, Anastasia Stahmann Tovar, Yasmin Hirsh, Hadley Ingersoll, Cooper Ingersoll, Anders Hansen, and great grand-child, Georgia Ingersoll. He was preceded in death by his wife of 43 years, Phyllis Cunningham.

A Memorial Service and reception will be held at 10 AM Thursday, August 27, 2026, at Triumphantlife Church, 2020 N. Valley Drive, Las Cruces with Pastor Marcus McKay, Officiating.

The graveside service will be held at 10 AM Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens Cemetery, 5140 W. Picacho Avenue, Las Cruces.

Service arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Baca’s Funeral Chapels of Las Cruces, 300 E. Boutz Road, 527-2222. Your exclusive provider for “Veterans and Family Memorial Care.” For online condolences logon to www.bacasfuneralchapelslascruces.com