Herbert E Cunningham

Herbert Elwood Cunningham, 91, of Worthington, OH entered heaven on October 12, 2026. He was surrounded by his loving family. Herb treasured the hymns of his faith, and family members sang hymns of comfort and promise at his bedside.

Born in Sarver, PA to Daniel Alvin and Jean Shaw Cunningham, Herb was born at home on June 12, 1935. A 1953 graduate of Freeport High School, Herb served three years in in the United States Army with the Army Security Agency then graduated from the University of Pittsburgh in 1960 with a degree in English.

Herb taught high school English for two years before joining Nationwide Insurance in 1961. At Nationwide, Herb served in various personnel roles. At the time of his retirement in 1993, Herb was the Vice President of Human Resources.

Herb was involved in his community and served on the Columbus Food Bank for eight years, serving as chair from 1984 to 1985. He later served on the National Church Residences Board for 12 years, twice chairing the board.

A member of Linworth Baptist Church, Herb’s faith was an integral part of his life since his childhood. Herb was raised in the Free Methodist church and gave his life to the Lord at an early age. Herb taught Sunday School for many years and served as superintendent of Sunday School.

Herb was a sports enthusiast. A native of western Pennsylvania, Herb was a loyal Pittsburgh fan, cheering on the Steelers, Pirates, and Penguins. Herb was also a faithful Buckeye and served as a red coat and portal chief at the stadium for 25 years. Herb’s joy in sports was passed on to many of his children and grandchildren. Herb could often be found at a sports venue with one or more family members from basketball games at Otterbein University to football games in the Shoe to wrestling matches at the Covelli Center. An avid golfer, Herb was a member of York Golf Club for 50 years.

Family was the highest priority for Herb. As a father, he provided well for his family, took his children to church, played jacks, rode bicycles, sponsored their education, and taught them the value of family. As a grandparent, he attended countless basketball games, soccer matches, gymnastics meets, marching band performances, choir concerts, and dance recitals in which his grandchildren participated. He baked brown cookies with his grandchildren, picked fruit with them, shared innumerable meals with them, and contributed to their college educations. The family gathered for every holiday. Herb hosted his entire family on annual vacations to the Outer Banks for more than a decade and treated them to a cruise for his 70th birthday.

Known for his generosity, wit, integrity, and devotion to family, Herb was cherished by his family and friends, and his passing leaves an immense void in their daily lives.

Preceded in death by his parents, brother, Richard Alvin Cunningham, and sister Beryl Jean Cunningham, Herb is survived by his wife of 33 years, Janet (Gutliph) Cunningham, daughters Sandra (Mike) Rickly, Jody Marshall, Mindy Morrison, Jerry Morrison, Penny (Menachem)

Davidovitch, nine grandchildren, and 10 great grandchildren all of whom Herb dearly loved, supported, and greatly enjoyed.

A memorial service will be held at 11:30 AM on October 16, 2026, at Linworth Baptist Church, 6200 Linworth Road, Worthington, OH 43085. The family will receive callers from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM prior to the service. An interment service for the family will be held at a later time.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Linworth Baptist Church and National Church Residences.