John Paul Cunningham was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend. He left this world far too soon on February 5, 2026 at the age of 77. John was born in Chattanooga, TN on February 26, 1948 to Robert Miles Cunningham and Betty Jeanette Delzell Cunningham. He grew up with a strong Christian faith and lived his life with the hope of Jesus and a willful positivity that inspired everyone he met.

He joined the United States Army in 1968, completing basic training, officer candidate school and advanced flight training. John was a talented flight instructor, company commander, and served as a helicopter pilot in Vietnam.

After completing his accounting degree, John was successful in plant, sales, and executive management. He had a tireless work ethic, quick wit, and led with positivity. When John "retired," he served as head custodian at Vaile Elementary School in Richmond, IN. But if you asked him, he would be most proud and passionate about his family and friends and time spent with them in his favorite place: outdoors in nature.

John and his loving wife, Audrey Sue Parks Cunningham, spent decades exploring nature while camping and fishing, marking countless special moments over the years. When they weren't exploring, they were building beautiful gardens, spending time with family and friends outdoors eating Audrey's amazing cooking and hearing John's funny, wise, inspiring stories.

John took care of those he loved. He is deeply loved and will be so very missed. John is survived by his wife, Audrey Cunningham, sister-in-law, Joy Turner , brother-in-law, Mark Turner, brother-in-law, Darrell Parks, sister-in-law, Vicky Parks, great aunt, Joyce Martin, sister, Sarah Gamble, brother-in-law, John Gamble, sister, Annette Shannon, brother-in-law Bill Shannon, son, Paul Cunningham., daughter-in-law, Misty Cunningham, granddaughter, McKenzy Burns, great granddaughter, Millie Burns, daughter, Lee Morgan, son-in-law, Jimmy Morgan, step grandson, Kyle Morgan, step granddaughter, Lindsay Morgan, step great grandson, Weston Morgan, and step great granddaughter, Reese Morgan.

A Celebration of Life will be held for John on Saturday February 21, 2026, visitation at 11 a.m. and service at 12 p.m. at Stegall-Berheide-Orr Funeral Home, 222 North 10th St., Richmond, IN 47374. Online condolences may be shared with the family via the guest book at stegallberheideorr.com.