Joe Lou Gunter

Lou served in the 82nd Airborne from 1957 until 1959. He met his wife, Mary Nell, while they were attending North Texas. They married on June 16, 1961.

In 1972, Lou and Mary Nell moved to Matlacha, where, for the next 45 years, they lived and raised island sons, Jim and Jason, at the end of Triggerfish Street on Matlacha Pass.

Lou was an island real estate broker, while Mary Nell worked for the Lee County School District as assistant superintendent and later principal at Cape Coral High School.

Lou traveled the world with Mary Nell. He would hike England’s famed coast-to-coast with anyone who was willing – or even alone– for the 192-mile trek each year from the Irish Sea at St. Bees to the North Sea at Robin Hood’s Bay.

But Lou was happiest spending time with his children and grandchildren and he would tell anyone who would listen how proud he was of or them.

Lou was preceded in death by his son, Jim Gunter (Lou's best friend), who was born on November 21, 1962, and passed away on December 21, 2020. He is survived by his devoted wife of over 60 years, Mary Nell Gunter, his son Jason Gunter (Lou's hero), Jason’s wife (Loree), Jim’s wife (Jane), Lou’s grandchildren (Cameron, Kelly, and Brian), his younger sister (Dinah Gunter-Conyers), Brian’s partner (Terese), and Ada, Lou’s great-granddaughter.

Until the end, Lou credited Mary Nell for being the foundation of their family and their lasting relationship. Lou believed her unwavering positivity and devotion carried them through good times and bad.

Although Lou is no longer with us, his legacy survives in the family he cherished and the changes he made in the lives of those he touched.

The family extends their deepest gratitude to Hope Hospice for their compassionate care for Lou and the comfort they brought in this time of need.

For those wishing to celebrate Lou’s life, there will be a casual gathering of family and friends this Sunday, January 26, 2025, anytime between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM at The GunLoft, 2165 West First Street, in Downtown Ft. Myers.

Email: [email protected] / Phone: (239) 826-7017