COLUMBUS
Joseph Edwin Cunningham, born August 15, 1928, passed away November 6, 2025, at Our Hospice of South Central Indiana. A lifelong Hoosier, Joe lived a life defined by hard work, innovation, and adventure.
Joe grew up in Bloomington, Indiana, where he developed his love of cars while working at a filling station, pumping gas for regulars such as Cole Porter’s mother.
After graduating from Columbus High School, Joe joined the U.S. Air Force, serving as a dispatcher at Bakalar Air Force Base. His experiences in the Air Force, including flying as far as Panama, sparked his lifelong love of aviation.
After his service, Joe began working for Engelking Patterns sweeping floors and learning the trade from the ground up. In 1965, he opened his own shop, Cunningham Pattern and Engineering; the rest is history.
Joe earned his private pilot’s license at Franklin Flying Field and his instrument rating at Chicago’s Midway Airport. Flying became one of his greatest joys, and he flew all over the country. His pride and joy was his Beechcraft Baron 211B, which he owned and flew for more than 50 years.
Joe was an integral part in the development of the Columbus Airport, including the construction of its terminal building. His hangar became the anchor of the local aviation community, where he was affectionately known as the “Chairman of the Board of Kelly Street.” Joe helped cultivate a welcoming and thriving aviation environment that continues to this day.
He collected many automobiles, his favorite car being a 1958 Mercury. Joe was also heavily involved in the world of IndyCar racing and was a member of the 1984 winning team. Joe had a passion for boats, restoring a classic Chris Craft boat and spending time on his Hatteras 53 in Ft. Lauderdale.
But of all the things in Joe’s remarkable life, he often said the greatest thing that ever happened to him was his 35-year marriage to Sher. Together, they shared countless adventures — from travels across the country and abroad, to simple, cherished outings around Columbus. They loved dinners, movies, the Cabaret, and the Philharmonic, finding joy in both the extraordinary and the everyday moments spent together.
Joe is survived by his wife, Sher; sister, Carrie (Jack) Elleman; children, Bruce (Holly) Cunningham, James (Shangrila) Felizola, Holly (Bob) Jacobs, Andy (Rebecca) Cauffman; and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Edwin and Gladys Cunningham; three sisters; and daughter, Vickie.
Joe will be remembered for his kindness, vision, and quiet determination ? a man who built his dreams with his own hands. “And the beat goes on.”
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be made to Our Hospice of South Central Indiana.
Condolences: barkesweaverglick.com
