Columbus, OH — Philip “Phil” R. Cunningham, 70, of Marysville, Ohio, a lifelong resident of the Watkins community, died Jan. 11, 2024, at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center following a brief illness.

The only son of four children, he was born Aug. 10, 1953, in Columbus to the late Benjamin T. and Lois J. (Arthurs) Cunningham. A 1971 graduate of Fairbanks High School, he also attended the Ohio State University. It was during this time that he married his high school sweetheart, the former Melody K. Clark, on Dec. 2, 1972, and they shared 51 years of love, family, and horses together.

While he worked as a postman for the Dublin Post Office for over 20 years, he was first and foremost a third generation horseman. He had a great knack for developing horses and he loved to work with the 2-year-olds. After retiring from the post office, he once again got involved with horses working for the Brian Brown Stable, Jessica and Cam McCown and the LeVan Stables.

He also started training his own horses with his most recent horse being BC Sweetheart, winner of the first division of the Ohio Fair Stakes 3-year-old filly pace at Delaware, Ohio this past September. The win was his first at Delaware and most exciting win, not only because it was at Delaware during Jug Week but also because it was called by “The Voice” Roger Huston. Roger also called Mr. Cunningham’s first win at the Champaign County Fair in the early 1970s.

Mr. Cunningham was a member of the USTA and the Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Association.

Aside from his love for animals, he was also an avid Ohio State Buckeyes fan and was known to root for the Cleveland Browns. He also enjoyed his time playing poker and he and Melody often visited Las Vegas so he could play in earnest.

While he was known to be stubborn, he was also dedicated, giving all to his family, his animals, and his friends, all who will greatly miss him.

Mr. Cunningham is survived by his loving wife, Melody: their son, Paul (Lori); sisters, Kay (Rick) Bidwell, Kathy and Paula; aunt, Patricia Arthurs; brother-in-law, Albert Arehart; special niece and great-nephew, Janell (Carlo) and Oliver Burns; special nephew, Jordan (Valarie Dile) Arehart; in-laws, Dawn (Bill) Burger, Virginia Clemons, Julia Byers, Mary (Tom) Poeschel, David (Tara) Clark, Charles (Carla) Clark and John Clark; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends; his beloved horse, BC Sweetheart; his cats, Buddy, Spot, Callie and Lilly; and his ornery grand-kittens, Zoe, Bear, Tigris and Wolfi. Along with his parents, he was also preceded in death by his nieces, Chantel Arehart and Natalie Arehart; and father and mother-in-law, Dwight and Phyllis Clark.

Calling hours will be 4-7 p.m. Thursday (Jan. 18) at Ingram Funeral Home, 975 N. Maple St., Marysville, where funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday (Jan. 19). Rev. James Taylor will officiate and burial will follow at the Watkins Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Christian Harness Horsemen’s Association, 157 North Main Street, Salem, NH 03079 or the Union County Humane Society, 16540 County Home Rd., Marysville OH 43040.

Contribution cards will also be available at the funeral home during service time.

The family requests that for those in attendance for the calling hours and funeral, please feel comfortable wearing their favorite casual horse attire, their favorite sports team attire, or the colors of green and gold in honor of Phil’s love for horses, sports, and his racing colors.

The family would like to thank Tom Verne, Mike Harder and Eric Wilt for taking care of BC Sweetheart; to Brian and Jennifer Brown, Cam and Jessica McCown, Hank, and Louie LeVan for giving Mr. Cunningham an opportunity to do what he loved most; to Ray France “Chicken Man” for helping us with a special request; and Roger Huston for the amazing race call of his last win. Also, a special thank you to the doctors, nurses and staff at Marysville Memorial Hospital and The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center for their compassionate and respectful care of him.

Ingram Funeral Home is honored to serve his family, and condolences may be expressed to them at www.IngramFuneralService.com.