William Leo " Bill " Gunn

Services for W. L. “Bill” Gunn, 100, of Lufkin, will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, April 2, 2016, at First Christian Church, with Reverend Stephen Lantis officiating. Interment will follow in the Garden of Memories Memorial Park.

Bill was born May 4, 1915 in Havana, Arkansas, the son of the late Wrennie Irene (Welch) and William Michael Gunn. He passed away Tuesday, March 29, 2016 at his residence.

Bill was a retired professional land man and independent oil contractor. He served his country with the United States Marines. In 1945, he was on the ground at Iwo Jima with the 3rd Marine Division as part of the security force holding the island after one of the bloodiest battles in the Pacific. The fight to gain possession of the island took nearly 40 days. Although his stay on Iwo Jima was relatively quiet, he said he saw plenty of action when he landed with his fellow Marines of Guam, working as a stretcher bearer. Bill was a longtime member of First Christian Church.

Survivors include his wife, Lois Butler Gunn; daughter, Nancy Gunn and partner Mary Allen Watson; stepdaughter, Michelle Hodge; stepson, Joseph Butler; nephew, Mike Chambers; nieces, Linda Chambers and Betty Anderson; sister-in-law, Carleen Modisette; brothers-in-law, Peter Roos, Philip Roos, Joe Roos; and Dr. David Roos; grandchildren, Thomas, Allen, Nick, Christopher, Brandon, Collin, Chase, Tripp and Meredith; and a number of other family members.

In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by his second wife, Kay Ivy Gunn; and sister, Kathrine Chambers.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Bill’s memory may be made to Hospice in the Pines, 1504 W. Frank Avenue, Lufkin, TX 75904; Wounded Warrior Program, P O Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675; or First Christian Church, 1300 S. First Street, Lufkin, TX 75901.

Honorary pallbearers will be members of the Group Therapy Social Club.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Friday evening at the funeral home.

Condolences may be offered at www.gipsonfuneralhome.com

Services have been placed in the trust of Gipson Funeral Home.