Walter Cunningham
1932–2023 (age 91)
Astronaut
Biography
Walter Cunningham, a physicist turned NASA astronaut, joined the crew of Apollo 7 and helped restore confidence in human spaceflight after the Apollo 1 tragedy, demonstrating calm professionalism throughout the mission. His grounding in science and his approachable manner won him lasting admiration.
He later became a devoted storyteller of the space age, sharing the values of curiosity and discipline with new generations, and his memory is honored at Texas State Cemetery.