April 8, 1929 - January 12, 2019
Robert Eugene Gunther, known affectionately to all as “Uncle Bob,” passed peacefully into the comfort of his Savior’s embrace on January 12, 2019 at his Park Vista home in Fullerton, CA. Uncle Bob was 89 years old. Bob is survived by his two younger siblings Sylvia Shelton and Ken Gunther along with 7 nephews and nieces, 20 great nephews and nieces and 9 great-great nephews and nieces. Hence the “Uncle Bob” moniker to everybody for simplicity!
In 1929 Bob was born in La Junta, Colorado and was the eldest son of Lutheran Minister R. Elmer Gunther and his wife, Agnes. Bob’s early years in Colorado were spent attending school and building the strong foundation of his Christian faith in the sanctuary of the Lutheran church in which his father ministered. In 1940, as Bob turned 11, the family moved west to San Bernardino, CA where his father accepted a call to lead Trinity Lutheran church.
Bob excelled in high school and junior college in San Bernardino and then boarded a train east to earn his engineering degree at the private Lutheran university, Valparaiso, in Indiana. Bob then coupled his engineering degree with his love of aviation and embarked on an extremely successful career with Lockheed Martin where he was integral in research and development of high-performance, top-secret combat, air mobility, reconnaissance, and surveillance aircraft. Bob’s intelligence, loyalty, confidentiality and dedication earned him enormous respect in the industry.
Bob always put family first. From the age of 33 Bob was primary caregiver for his mother following his father’s early passing. He also received the most enjoyment helping his local nephews and nieces and their growing families. Assisting with family member’s home improvement projects, assembling children’s play equipment, transporting great nephews and nieces to school, sports events, extracurricular activities and birthday parties all made a perfect day for Uncle Bob. When Bob eventually made time for himself he thoroughly enjoyed anything with an “engine”…..Planes, Trains or Automobiles…..Air Shows, Car Shows, Train Rides and exhibits were always an intriguing and relaxing way to spend his free time.
1 Corinthians 13:13 “Three things will last forever – faith, hope and love – and the greatest of these is love,” is a bible verse indicative of how Bob lived life. His faith was reflected in his thoughts, words and deeds. His hope inspired others through his positive outlook, encouragement, and extreme generosity. His love shared through his selfless acts and commitment to others was truly one of a kind. We love you Uncle Bob!
A memorial service will be held Sunday, January 27th in Waverly Chapel, Fairhaven Memorial Park, 1702 Fairhaven Avenue, Santa Ana, CA 92705 at 11 am, with reception following.
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