Tom was born on August 14,1943 in Saint Louis, MO to Judge Donald and Loretto Gunn.
He graduated from McBride High School in 1961, Saint Louis University and Saint Louis University School of Law in 1967. Immediately after graduation, he moved to Washington, DC to start a career in public service with the Federal Trade Commission and later as an aide to Senator John McClellan. He worked as counsel for the Senate Judiciary, Government Operations, and Appropriations Committees. In 1975, he moved back to Saint Louis to work for the McDonnell Douglas Corporation. During his tenure, he served as Vice President, Marketing; President of McDonnell Douglas Helicopter Company, and President of McDonnell Douglas International. When McDonnell Douglas merged with The Boeing Company, Tom retired and ran The Gunn Group consulting firm for many years.
Tom was involved in multiple academic, civic, and local charitable organizations. He especially loved Saint Louis University, Fontbonne University, St. John’s Hospital Foundation, The Society of Jesus, SSM Health, Aquinas Institute, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Innsbrook Institute, Sisters of Saint Joseph of Carondelet, and Our Little Haven.
Tom will be remembered most for his kind and generous spirit. He was open about his sobriety. He was happy to share his story with anyone who needed support. His legacy will be his love of fishing, Cardinal baseball, and Billiken basketball. He loved reading, watching boxing, teasing his grandchildren, and pulling the socks off every baby he held. He constantly made us laugh – but we can’t repeat most of his jokes!
Tom was a cherished and devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, cousin, uncle, and friend. Family meant the most to him. Tom is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years, Kathleen/Kathy/Kate; his four children, Timothy (Monica), Kevin (Amy), Maureen Gelzer (Randell) and Megan (Gregory Dewein); his 9 grandchildren, Peter, Mary Kate, Benjamin, George, Connor, Owen, Nathan, Zoe and Rose; his siblings Kathleen Martin, Donald Jr., Sr. Donna Loretto, Margaret Fowler, Michael, Patrick, and Bridget Calcaterra and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother James.
Today and going forward he would want us all to rejoice in celebration of his blessed life. His last act of generosity was to donate his body to Saint Louis University School of Medicine.
Gathering - Friday, February 2, 3:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at Kriegshauser Mortuary – West, 9450 Olive Blvd, Olivette, MO
Celebration Mass - Saturday, February 3, 10 a.m. at St. Francis Xavier College Church, 3628 Lindell Blvd, Saint Louis, MO
Donations appreciated to:
Sisters of St Joseph of Carondelet, 6400 Minnesota Ave, Saint Louis, MO 63111
St Francis Xavier College Church – Social Ministry, 3628 Lindell Blvd, Saint Louis, MO 63108
Our Little Haven, 4316 Lindell Blvd, Saint Louis, MO 63108
