Dr. Douglas Cunningham

Dr. Douglas Cunningham, age 78, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family on January 31, 2026. He was born on January 18, 1948, in Alliance.

Doug graduated from Marlington High School as Co-Valedictorian in 1966. He then received his Bachelor of Science Summa Cum Laude and was elected to Phi Beta Kappa Society at Ohio University prior to attending Ohio State University where he received his doctorate of Veterinary Medicine degree. He and his wife, Cynthia Cunningham established West Side Animal Hospital in Alliance in 1981. Doug retired in 2012 after 39 and a half years of compassionate care.

In addition to being an avid sports fan throughout his life, Doug enjoyed participating in many sports activities as an adult including cycling, golf, and wind surfing. He had always been a music lover and played a variety of different wind and stringed instruments in various groups when he was younger. In the last several years, he had limited his instruments to the ukulele.

Doug always enjoyed seeing the world and spent much time travelling with his wife, Cindy, to beautiful islands and faraway places. He was an avid photographer and took pleasure in documenting their travels in photos and videos.

Doug was a past member of The American Veterinary Medical Associates, The American Animal Hospital Association, The Ohio Veterinary Medical Association, and The Academy of Veterinary Medicine of Stark County.

He was a 52 year member of Alliance Kiwanis Club, a life member of Alliance Elks #467, and a 42 year member of the Alliance Questors. In 2025 Doug and Cindy established two community funds with the Greater Alliance Foundation.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 54 years, Cynthia; son, Michael; daughter, Amy (Jason) Scott; grandchildren, Jake Scott, Ava Scott, and Maddison Seison; and brother, Dawson (Kaye) Cunningham. Doug’s most treasured memories were time spent with his loving family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Verda Cunningham.

A funeral service will be held at Cassaday-Turkle-Christian Funeral Home on Thursday, February 5th at 5:00 p.m. with a visitation two hours prior.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Stark County Humane Society, 5100 Peach St Louisville, OH 44641 or the American Cancer Society, 11432 Mayfield Rd, Cleveland, OH 44106.