Dr. Thomas A. Gunter
January 17, 1923 ~ August 1, 2005
Resided in:
Pueblo, CO
Dr. Thomas A. Gunter, D.D.S. (Ret.), 82, passed away August 1, 2005, in Pueblo, Colo., where he was born on January 17, 1923. He is survived by his loving wife of over 57 years, Marge; sons, Roger (Terri) Gunter and grandsons, Taylor, Davis and Drake, Highlands Ranch, Colo., and Stephen (Gena) Gunter, Redondo Beach, Calif.; sister-in-law, Luella Gunter, Ft. Worth, Tex.; nephew, Robb (Bunty) Gunter and sons, Chad (Veronica) and Brad, Tijeras, New Mexico; niece, Kathy (Walt) Davis, Edmond, Okla.; and cousin, John (Dixie) Alf, their son, Jerry, and daughter, Bonnie (Charles) Baxter, Bartlesville, Okla. He was predeceased by his parents, Dr. Newton and Edith Gunter, long-time Pueblo residents since 1918, and brother, Preston Gunter. Tom was a predental student at Pueblo Junior College (now CSU-Pueblo) and Colorado A & M (now CSU-Ft. Collins). He received his dental degree from the University of Kansas City Western School of Dentistry in 1949 and began his practice with his father in the Thatcher Building. From 1953 - 1955, he served as a Captain in the U. S. Air Force Dental Corp during the Korean Conflict and was assigned to Flying Training Headquarters in Waco, Tex. His hobbies were hunting, fishing, skiing and growing roses. His father developed the Pikes Peak and Edith Gunter roses, which can be seen today in many Pueblo gardens. Tom retired in 1991 and pursued water color, pastel and oil painting as a new challenge. Memberships over the years included the American and Colorado Dental Societies, Delta Sigma Delta dental fraternity, Rocky Mountain Council of the Boy Scouts of America, Pueblo Search and Rescue, Silver State Masonic Lodge No. 95, Southern Colorado Consistory of Scottish Rite Free Masonry, First Presbyterian Church, Pueblo Country Club and the Sangre de Cristo Art Center. There will be no viewing. Cremation, Montgomery & Steward Crematorium. A graveside service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, August 4, 2005, at Roselawn Cemetery. A celebration of Tom's life will follow at noon Thursday at Villa Pueblo Towers Penthouse, 1111 Bonforte Blvd. In lieu of food or flowers, memorials may be made to the Art Center or a charity of your choice through the funeral home. Online condolences, www.montgomerysteward.com
Dr. Gunter’s Family: Our deepest condolences to the entire family. We were patients of Dr. Gunter’s for over 15 years and we sure enjoyed talking with him. We have since moved from Pueblo. He was such a nice person and in today’s time nice people are so hard to find. He was in the hospital once many years ago and we sent him an indoor plant and he was so moved by the fact that a non-family member would think of him that way. We will miss his smile. Jim & Geri Barley
Today is August 8 and I have been so incrediably sad and weeping all thoughout the day and of course, I can’t sleep…and then it occured to me that it has been just a week and a day since the passing of my beloved father in law.
It feels like a big void with him not here.
Truly he was one of those rare and amazing persons that you felt really lucky and privileged to know… and I cherish all of the many precious moments we spent together in the various visits we made to Pueblo, eating out at Red Lobster; the time we dropped into town on a “surprise visit” and drove to Canyon City for dinner and of couse, the best times of all when we just simply sat around the kitchain table, watching him make that “good” sourdough toast that we eventually got to eat (smiles) while chatting about everything under the sun.
I will miss seeing those infamous large 8 x 11 envelopes that were stuffed full of various newspaper clippings that were hi-lighted and red-lined of important “note-worthy” items along with the additonal comments of what he thought written in the tiny spaces (and on some occassions, he corrected the grammer in the printed newspaper!)…and of course, the little square post-it notes written on both sides (that I’m sure he meant to write a few sentances at first; but somehow it always evolved into a full on letter.)
In the short time that I was graced to know him, I feel that I am a better person. I’m grateful and feel very privileged to be a part of the Gunter family. I feel extremely fortunate that the most beautiful and finest part of my father in law still live on in my loving husband, Steve — his mannerisms, charitable actions expressed to others and his compassionate, humble nature.
To my wonderful and perpetual beautiful Mother in law — I thank you for loving me and making me feel like family from the moment I met you both. I know that you will be just fine as God wanted Tom upstairs to be an extra angel to look after you every single second of each and every day.
As “Dad” ended his letters and I will pass that back to you:
“Heaps of love”…
Gunter Family,
Thoughts and prayers with you. It is evident that Dr. Gunter lived life to full. Deepest sympathies.
My deepest sympathy for your loss. You will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Roger, my heart goes out to you and your family during this time. May the Lord comfort you with His love. You will be in my prayers.
Jean Ayres
Dear Marge…We were so sorry to learn of Tom’s passing. We knew that death was in the future but also it hurts to see the time come.Elke and I will miss him and his Jeep running around the northside. love from us.
SINCERE CONDOLENCES FOR THE LOSS OFA GOOD MAN AND THE BEST DENTIST I’VE EVER HAD.
Marge, I just wanted to tell you that I am so sorry to hear about Doc. You have both been such good neighbors to my grandmother “Nanny”. I will miss hearing all of the stories Doc used to share with us. Take care of yourself. Love, Heather
To the Gunther Family, Especially roger and steve that I know well. My wife and I offer our deepest thoughts, and you are all in our prayers. I know that words cannot make up for your loss. All our love and care. Tom and Janis Villarreal
Goodnight and sweet rest my Dearest Uncle Tom. You were a light in my life and I will carry you with me forever. I miss you but will see you soon. Save a place for me right next to you so we can talk with each other like we used to. All my love, Patty
Our family is sad to hear of your loss. Dr. Gunter was a special man. Here in Trinidad, I have many of the “Pikes Peak” rose bushes that I started from cuttings myself. I have called it the “Pueblo” rose and have sent plants to my cousins, who are no longer living in Pueblo, as a rememberance of Pueblo.
We will think of him each year when they bloom. We are sorry for your loss. Judy Sneed Garcia