Melvin C. Cunningham, Jr., 97, of Newark, Ohio, passed away on the night of November 12, 2025 at Kennedy Way, Lakeside Manor Nursing Home at the Dayton VA.

Melvin was born on March 18, 1928 in Newark Ohio to the late Clarence and Elnora "Gail" (Linn) Cunningham.
He attended the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Newark.

Mel served as a P.F.C. in the Army during World War II from 1946 through March of 1949 and was stationed in Germany.  He passed the Theater Ordinance School in Efchwege, Germany, was in the 902 Ordinance H.A.M. company, as well as the 912 H.A.M. Ordinance Company in the 2nd Army.  He also served in the Air Force in Dayton, Ohio and Hill Air Force base in Utah from 1950 through 1952.  Mel was the first of the veterans that returned home from World War II. to receive a high school diploma.

Mel was very excited to have the opportunity to travel to Washington D.C. with other veterans on one of the Honor Flights from Columbus.

In his early years, Mel owned and operated an Exxon and Humble Oil service station in Heath, OH located on Rte. 79.  Mel also worked for the B&O and Penn Central railroads, drove city buses in Newark and worked for the Yellow Cab Company.  He also worked in the automotive department at Sears.

Later in life, Mel was employed by Rockwell International in Heath, Ohio as an inspector.  He retired from Rockwell International on January 1, 1987 after 30 years of service.  While employed at Rockwell, he was a member of the local U.A.W. 1037 and AARP.

After moving to Florida, he worked part-time for Scottys from 1991-1993.  He eventually moved back to the Newark area and worked at Odd Lots on Deo Drive.  Mel also ran for State Representative and City council, as well as owning a small advertising business.

Mel was a member of several organizations.  He was a member of the Masonic Lodge since 1980; he participated in Eastern Star #305 beginning in 1981; served as Monarch of Teheran Grotto in 1990, as well as being the building manager of Teheran Grotto.

In addition to his roles at the Teheran Grotto, Mel also served as President of the Licking County Shrine in 2004, was Royal Patron of the Amaranth and Watchman of the Shepards of White Shrine.  Other posts held by Mel include the following:  member of AM Vets; American Legion 771 and Post 85; Adjutant in D.A.V. as an Officer 2nd Vice; Treasurer in Licking County Shrine; Member of Lodge #97; 32nd Degree of Scottish Rite of Valley of Cambridge; Aladdin Shrine; AmVets in Florida; Masonic Lodge #97; Aladdin Temple; Golden Court #30; AARP and KY Colonel.

In addition to his parents, Mel was preceded in death his wife of 43 years, Barbara A. (Ford) Cunningham; a son, Daniel Paul Cunningham; a daughter, Kathryn Ellen; a brother, Ronald Lee; and three sisters, Kathryn Bode, Betty Mae Dum, and Mary E. Cunningham.

Funeral services will be 12p.m. Wednesday, November 19, 2025  at the Vensil & Chute Funeral Home with Corbin Huffman, officiating.  Burial will follow at Cedar Hill Cemetery.

Friends and family may call one hour prior to the service from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the funeral home.

The family would like to thank the dedicated staff at the VA and Altercare South for caring for Mel.  He was very fortunate to have such a wonderful group of professionals taking care of him each day.  We are grateful for each and every one of them.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that you do something nice for a veteran and thank them for their service.