Franklin Carl Gunner

Selah – Frank Gunner, age 75, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and coach passed away on Tuesday, May 25, 2010. Frank was born in Murdo, South Dakota on January 30, 1935 to Swede and Emily Gunner. He was raised on a large South Dakota ranch where he learned the true meaning of hard work. Frank graduated from White River High School and later married his childhood sweetheart Shirley Johnson on August 7, 1955. Within just a few short years, Frank and Shirley were blessed with three great sons: Don, Ron and Scott. These boys would soon keep both parents very busy.

Both Frank and Shirley attended Black Hills State College where Frank received his teaching degree. Frank started his professional career as a teacher of history along with coaching football, basketball, and track at Bennett County High School. Shirley and the boys were always the team’s biggest fans. Dad was known as “Big Chief Gunner” at the home of the Warriors. Athletics was a huge part of his life. He loved sports! Throughout his life he was connected to sports in some way. Dad, an outstanding athlete himself, took great pleasure in coaching and watching his three boys participate on a variety of athletic teams. Not only did he coach his own sons, but Frank also coached many young men over the years including little league baseball and AAU basketball in Selah. He always spoke fondly of the teams and young men he was able to work with throughout his coaching years. Many athletes looked forward to playing for Frank because of his style of “run and gun” basketball. A piece of Dad’s knowledge, competitive spirit, and passion for “the game” will live long through these athletes.

After teaching for 10 years in South Dakota, Frank and his family moved to Ogden, Utah where he was employed as an instructor for the Job Corps. Dad loved his time with the Job Corps, as he was able to spend time with under-privileged youth teaching them lifetime job skills along with providing a sense of stability and encouragement. Dad was a significant mentor to these youth as he demonstrated strong morals, commitment, and a powerful work ethic.

The Job Corps eventually led Frank to Moses Lake. The family spent a few short years there creating some interesting and often shared memories and stories of fishing, boating, camping, hunting, and motorcycle adventures. In 1975, the Gunner family joined the Selah community as Frank began his final career with the U.S Bureau of Reclamation. Frank spent 18 years working for the Bureau of Reclamation during the most turbulent period for the agency. He served in several capacities including chief administrative officer, chief of operation and maintenance, Umatilla project coordinator, and assistant to the area manager. Frank enjoyed his years at the bureau with the “good people” he was able to hire and work along side. Frank retired after 30 years of government service in 1995.

Dad enjoyed time with his family during BBQ’s, holidays, birthday parties, camping trips, and traveling to the beach. His most joy came from watching his grandkids in their sporting events. From gymnastics to swimming, golf to cross country running, soccer to track & field, basketball to volleyball – the grand kids kept “papa” proud. Some of Dad’s lifetime hobbies and entertainment included collecting baseball hats (500+), hitting yard sales on the weekends, league bowling, along with gambling and playing the slots with “his best girl” - Shirley. Some of their favorite times together were during their road trips to Reno and Laughlin, Nevada.

Frank is survived by his wife Shirley and their three sons Don of Boise, ID, Ron (Dawn), and Scott (Tammy) all of Selah. His grandchildren are Dani, Brianna, R.J., Aly, Gavin, Cooper, and Mattye Gunner – every one a “pride and joy”. Other family members include brother Larry (Nancy) of Winner, SD, sister-in-law Karen (Bob) Nelson of Rapid City, SD, and niece Marnie (Gene) Grosz, Aurora, CO. He is preceded in death by his parents Swede and Emily Gunner, Ted and Tootie Johnson, and daughter-in-law Roxanne Gunner.

Services will be held at Keith & Keith Funeral Home at 2:00 pm on Thursday, June 3, 2010. Following the service, a reception of family and friends will be held at The Yakima Elk’s Country Club in Selah.

The family would like to express their gratitude for the loving care given to Frank by the Landmark Care staff, doctors, rehabilitation team, nurses, and aides. We would also like to thank the doctors, nurses, and aides at Yakima Valley Memorial Hospital for their compassionate and dedicated service to Frank and our family the last several weeks. A special thank you to friend and longtime physician, Dr. Emmans.

In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial donations to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, or the Alzheimer’s Association. Donations will be managed by Keith & Keith Funeral Services.