Robert Allan Cunningham

Robert Allan Cunningham, age 71, of Marion; also known as “Bob” or “Red” passed away on Friday, January 7, 2022 at 1:05 p.m. at Wesleyan Health Care & Rehabilitation in Marion.

He was born in Marion, Indiana on September 24, 1950 to Frederick Paul Cunningham, Sr. and Dorothy May (Miller) Cunningham.  He was a 1969 graduate of Marion High School.

Bob was an Army veteran serving mainly in Germany. He was employed at General Cable (formerly Anaconda, BICC) for 40 years when he retired in 2015. He married Tracy Ann Poling in June of 1975. They had a daughter, Heather Kay in April 1977 and then divorced April 26, 1984. He then met the love of his life, Rebeccia Jean Lyons who he married on December 31, 1988. She passed away on January 14, 1994. He married his third wife, Virginia May Hoskins-Duggan-Ross on September 30, 2003. She passed away on August 27, 2019 after having a debilitating stroke in November 2013.

He was a member of the AMVETS and the American Legion. He was also a 39 year member and former officer of the Indiana Division of the National Horseshoe Pitchers Association and the Marion Horseshoe Club. He volunteered with the EMA for many years and was a Sergeant when he was forced to quit because of illness. He loved helping people. Bob was an avid sports fan, and he loved his Cubs, Bears, Pacers, and IU but especially loved his Marion Giants. He loved board & card games, but his favorite was playing Euchre with family & friends. Bob attended Liberty Baptist Church, Sweetser.

He was a beloved Brother, Dad, Grandpa, Uncle, and friend. He lived a very active life. He played basketball in a weekly league, pitched horseshoes in a league and tournaments, bowled in leagues, and rode his bicycle as often as he could. He also loved to fish. He loved his Jeep and Harley even though he couldn’t drive or ride for the last 7 years because of health reasons which included diabetes and heart disease. He lost his sight a little over 2 years ago and was then afflicted with Charles Bonet Syndrome which made him have very elaborate hallucinations. He loved to listen to WBAT 1400 AM so he could sing and dance like a fool to 50-60’s music and hear his Marion Giants.

Survivors include: his daughter, Heather White of Fairmount; step-daughter, Amy (Rodney) Bearman of Leesburg, Georgia; brother, Victor (Billie) Cunningham of Columbia City; step-brother, Michael (Debra) Haynes I of Marion; sisters, Becky Shafer of Marion, Shirley Mitchem of Lexington, Kentucky, Nancy Jones of Gas City, and Tammi Cunningham of Marion; one granddaughter, Callie Cunningham of Fairmount; several step-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews as well as great and great-great nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his step mother, Barbara Cunningham Stewart; all 3 of his wives; a stepson, Bobby Duggan; brother, Frederick Paul Cunningham Jr,; sister, Mary Ann Cunningham Jones; step-sisters, Cathy Haynes Thompson & Terrie Haynes.

Bob’s wishes were to be cremated and he will be interred at Marion National Cemetery, Marion, Indiana at a later date.

Due to the COVID Pandemic a Celebration of Life will be held at a later in the Spring when it can be held outside more safely.

Arrangements are entrusted to Raven-Choate Funeral Home, 1202 W. Kem Road, Marion, Indiana.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the funeral home to help offset funeral expenses.

Online condolences and memories for the family can be shared at www.ravenchoate.com