MSG (Ret.) John Wayman Gunter

John Wayman Gunter, son of the late Charnell Gunter and Bertha Elnora (Chappell) Gunter, was born June 13, 1951, in Pottersville, Missouri. As a young boy, John grew up in the West Plains, Missouri area and graduated from West Plains High School with the Class of 1970. John began working at an early age and worked at a grocery store for a short time and also as a mechanic at Phillips 66 before he entered the United States Army in 1975. John served his country faithfully until his retirement in 1995. He had attained the rank of Master Sergeant and earned several awards and commendations; some of which included: Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal – 3rd Award, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal – 6th Award, National Defense Service Medal, Non-Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon – 3, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon – 4, and the Expert Qualification Badge M16 Rifle. At the time of his retirement, John was stationed at Fort Leonard Wood, and he decided to remain in the area. During his time in the military, John met a beautiful young lady by the name of Christl Doris Zieher while he was serving in Germany. She came back to the United States with him in 1987 and they were united in marriage on May 7, 1987, in West Plains, Missouri. They shared over 37 years of marriage together and many wonderful memories. After retiring from the military, John helped his son who owned and operated Gunter Construction Company. In his spare time, he enjoyed tinkering with different things, but his true joy came from pulling lawn mowers, and tractors at different tractor and truck pulling competitions. John loved his family deeply and was always looking forward to times spent with them, especially with the grandchildren. He was proud of each and every one of them. John passed away Tuesday, December 24, 2024, in Mercy Hospital in Springfield, Missouri having attained the age of 73 years. He will be sadly missed but fondly remembered by all those that knew and loved him. He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife, Christl of the home in Dixon, MO; five children, Michael Gunter of Iberia, MO, Marcus Lochert (Daniella) of Eppelhein, Germany, Brad Gunter (Dana) of Hartville, MO, Martin Lochert (Tiffany) of Waynesville, MO, and April Gunter (Amy) of Nixa, MO; fourteen grandchildren: Vance Gunter, Tierney Earp (Nathan), Tempary Gunter (Landry), Takayla Gunter (Landon), Grayson Gunter, Taylor Gunter, Nathanael Gunter (Lexi), Anna Kellum (Blake), Autumn Gunter, Cailey Lochert, Alyssa Lochert, Mykelti Null (Cassie), Mykayla Owens (Michael), Mykaden Null; fourteen great-grandchildren: Wren, Lena, Liam, Georgia, Rory, Graysen, Braxton, Isaac, Raye, Roza and four others; his sister-in-law, Cora Gunter of Pomona, MO; a number of nieces and nephews; as well as a host of other relatives and many friends. In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by four siblings: Norman Gunter, Florman Gunter, Leman Gunter, and Nancy Johnson. Even though he is gone from our sight, John’s love for his family and commitment to his country will live on in our hearts forever. Services were held at 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, December 31, 2024 in the Memorial Chapel of Waynesville, Missouri with Chaplain (MAJ) Alvin D. Owens officiating. The songs "Go Rest High on that Mountain" by Vince Gill, "Save Me A Seat" by Alex Warren, and "Amazing Grace" by the United States Army Band were played. Serving as escorts were family and friends. Burial with full military honors followed in the Missouri Veterans Cemetery of Waynesville with military honors provided by the United States Army of Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. Services were under the care and direction of Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert. Memorial contributions can be made in memory of John Gunter and may be left at the funeral home.

MSG (Ret.) John Wayman Gunter

June 13, 1951 - December 24, 2024