Howard E. Cunningham

Howard E. Cunningham, 78, of New Philadelphia passed away on Saturday, December 24, 2011 following an extended illness.

Howard was a twin born on April 6, 1933, in Bolivar. He was the son of the late Lewis and Lelia (Dean) Cunningham.

He honorably served our country in the Korean Conflict, where he served in the United States Navy Seabee's and built airstrips and roadways.

On April 18, 1964 he married the love of his life, Barbara Sergeant, who survives.

Twenty-one years ago this month, he retired from Spring Incorporated, formerly known as Edgar Spring Industries, following 34 years of service.

Howard was a very talented handyman and could fix just about anything. He was an extremely hard worker. He loved spending time outdoors working in his garden, and growing his own plants and vegetables.

He was a member of the Grace Community Church in Stone Creek, Operating Engineers Local #18, and the Tuscarawas County Farm Bureau.

In addition to his wife, Barbara, he will be sadly missed by his son; Thomas (Marcy) Cunningham of Stone Creek; daughter, Connie (William) McClain of New Philadelphia; five grandchildren; Joshua, Jared, and Alexis Cunningham of Stone Creek, Douglas and Brittany McClain of New Philadelphia; four brothers, Carl (Donna) Cunningham of Dennison, Gene (Sandy) Cunningham of Walnut Creek, William Cunningham of New Philadelphia, Wayne (Veronica) Cunningham of Dennison; along with many nieces, nephews, and a host of wonderful neighbors and friends.

He is preceded in death by four brothers; Harold Cunningham (his twin), Lewis V. "Sam" Cunningham, Donald Cunningham, Glen Cunningham; and two sisters, Berdena Cunningham and Edna Hadorn.

A graveside service will be held at Stone Creek Cemetery on Wednesday, December 28, 2011 at 11:00 am with Pastor Paul Houdashelt officiating. The Toland-Herzig Funeral Home & Crematory in New Philadelphia is handling the arrangements.

In Lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Grace Community Church, 231 W. Jefferson St, Stone Creek, Ohio 43840 or the American Red Cross Muskingum Lakes Chapter, 1451 4th Street NW, New Philadelphia, OH 44663.

The family would personally like to thank Dr. James Schmotzer and his wonderful, caring staff at Morning Star Oncology and Hematology, Union Hospital, as well as the nurses and doctors who also cared for him during his recent stay in Aultman Hospital.


Those unable to attend, or who would like to sign an online guest book for Howard may do so by visiting the "Obituaries and Flowers" link on the funeral home's website.