John William Gunter

John grew up on the family farm in Coffee County, Alabama. He attended public school at New Brockton High School and graduated with honors in 1952. He then entered the School of Engineering at the Alabama Polytechnic Institute in Auburn, Alabama, graduating on March 15, 1956 with a Bachelor of Science degree. John was a member of the US NAVY ROTC program at Auburn University and was commissioned as an Ensign in the United States Navy. He was honored as a distinguished Military Graduate by the Professor of Naval Science. On the same day, he married Mary Katherine Teer of Auburn, who was also a student at the Alabama Polytechnic Institute and a lifelong resident of Auburn.

John and Mary had two children. John Stephen was born in Japan, and Roger William was born in Spain. In his life, John worked as a Naval Officer, an engineer, a high school teacher, and a Civil Servant for the US Air Force. After retirement, John worked as a janitor at Christ Our Redeemer Catholic Church on White Point Road, often saying that it was the best job he'd ever had and how he wished he’d found it sooner. John was a lector in the church and served on the altar for weekly mass. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus.

John leaves behind his wife of 67 years Mary Gunter, their two sons John and Roger Gunter, five grandchildren: Melea Ermilio, Daniel Gunter, Meghann Gunter, Rebecca Ryan, and Melissa Gunter, three great-grandchildren: Christian Ermilio, Caleigh Ermilio and Ruby Ryan, his older brother Jim, and his sisters-in-law Joan Gunter and Molly Crane.

Flowers or charitable donations are equally welcome. Those wishing to donate may send their contributions to Johns favorite charity, St. Joseph's Indian School.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of John William Gunter, please visit our floral store.