Cordell Curtis Sunkel

Cordell “Corky” Sunkel of Silverdale, WA passed away peacefully February 5, 2025 at the age of 82.

He was born at his family home in Silverdale November 16, 1942. His father was Edward H. Sunkel & Mother Minnie Cox Sunkel. He had 7 brothers, Isaac, Edward I, Fred, Ferd, Frank, John & Tommy, all deceased. 

He attended Central Kitsap Schools. As a young man he worked at several gas stations, including B&H Service & Wolfrom’s. He also detailed cars & did minor mechanic work. He worked at Schneebeck Sawmill. He met and married Bonnie in 1964. They were married 60 years. They had 2 children, Tara & Ed. He worked at PSNS, Bangor & Chico Towing. He started his own heavy construction businesses, including Corky’s Custom Car Care, Sunkel Backhoe/Excavating & Custom Grading. He finally purchased Silverdale Sand & Gravel & owned Sunkel Construction Company until 1998, when he retired.

He was very involved in the Silverdale community, including Silverdale Lions & Silverdale Whaling Days festivities. He was involved in Kitsap Literacy & the WA State Literacy & served as director for WA Alcoholics Victorious. He was baptized & received Jesus as his savior. He served on his church board in the 80’s.

He also raced stock cars at the Silverdale Speedway, in the early 70’s. He began his racing career, when as a kid, his older brothers made a home-made car and he was the test driver, driving it down west Bucklin Hill from CK High School to Silverdale Way. He began his official racing career when his brother John bought a stock car and said, “You’re the driver”. They joined the Kitsap County Auto Racing Assoc. with car #20, always painted green. The safety equipment was not what it is today. Drivers were only required to wear a helmet & harness. In addition, he wore bib overalls and green wingtip shoes. He raced other places, including Port Angeles Speedway & won the first race there.

He is survived by his wife, Bonnie, children, Tara & Chris Orcutt, Ed & Paula Sunkel & grandchildren, C.J. & Tallia Orcutt, Josh Orcutt, Bonnie & Shea Miller, Wyatt Sunkel, Rose Orcutt & Viviann Sunkel and great-grandchildren, Teegan, Graesen, Naomi, Kenny, Joseph (JJ), Samuel Cordell & Callum & several nieces & nephews.

He was a person who loved people & life & had a great sense of humor.

Memorial service will be at Silverdale Community Church on March 8, 2025 at 1 pm. Contact Rill’s Tribute Center.