Charles A. Gunter

Funeral Services are scheduled for 10:30 am at Stewart Funeral Home, 7525 Old Jacksonville Highway, Tyler, TX, 75703, on Friday, June 13, 2025. Entombment will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery Mausoleum. Charles “Charlie” Arnold Gunter was born on September 14, 1946, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, to Soledad “Lala” Alexandria Chavez and Arnold John Gunter (WOJG). After his father’s passing, Charlie was raised by his mother, step-dad, William “Bill” Conway (T/SGT). and beloved Grandparents, Nora and Glendon Clark. Nora and Glendon played a huge role in shaping his business sense and love of family. Charlie's early life was shaped by his family's military service, leading to a childhood spent in many places: Rantoul, Illinois, at Chanute Air Force Base, then onto Tainan, Taiwan. The tropics of Taiwan brought cultural differences and adventure. Charlie and his dad climbed mountains with the scouts, enjoyed beaches, and the beautiful rainforests. He would often discuss the gorgeous landscapes there. The family moved stateside to Abilene, Texas, and he graduated from Cooper HS in 1964. He went on to earn a BBA from Texas Tech University in 1969 and pursued postgraduate studies at Southern Methodist University. He married the love of his life, Brenda “Kay” Stewart, on May 14, 1967. She was his forever princess. Charlie cherished Kay. Together, they built a strong and loving family. They had two children: Christie Lanell Gunter-Joy (b.1968) and Charles “Eric” Gunter (b.1970). Charlie began his professional career as an industrial engineer with LTV Aerospace, contributing to the manufacturing of the Corsair II and remanufacturing of the F-8 Crusader, both of which served in the Vietnam War. In 1971, he joined Cameron Valves (formerly Sterling Faucet, later Cooper Cameron), where he served in numerous leadership roles over three decades. His career took him to Tyler, Houston, OKC, Long Beach, Edmonton, Mexico City, and beyond. He eventually served as the Director of Operations for the Western Hemisphere. A respected member of his field, Charlie was a senior member of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers, the Institute of Industrial Engineers, and the Texas Tech Alumni Association. Charlie believed in giving back. He served on boards and councils across Texas and Oklahoma, including the Tyler Economic Development Board, United Way of Greater Tyler, the Missouri City Chamber of Commerce, and the Lake Tyler homeowners association. He was a devoted member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. Charlie lived the dream and retired at 57 years old! Charlie and Kay built their dream home on Lake Tyler, where they spent their happiest years. Lake Tyler had been the family's Happy Place. Boating, Fishing, Fourth of July, Holidays, Birthdays, Graduations, BBQ’s. Dad would make sure the grounds looked immaculate, the boathouse was ready to fish, and the boat was full of gas! Lessons were taught and stories were told. He cherished every moment with his family. After God, they were the most important. He taught them how to work hard, love deeply, leave a legacy, love nature, fish, boat, hunt, ski, and take care of each other. Charles was preceded in death by his mother, Soledad “Lala” Chavez Gunter-Conway; father, Arnold J. Gunter; step-father, William “Bill” Conway; sister, Emilia “Emily” Conway-Byington; grandparents, Nora Coats-Gunter, Clark, and step-grandpa, Glendon Clark. He is survived by: the love of his life: Brenda “Kay” Stewart-Gunter of Tyler, two children, Christie Gunter-Joy (Larry Joy) of Tyler, Charles “Eric” Gunter (Hon. Debra “Debby" Franks-Gunter) of Tyler, three grandsons; Devyn McBride Rumbos (Alejandro Rumbos) of Jackson, WY, Charles Christopher Gunter McBride (Allison McBride) of Bentonville, AR, and Charles Cole Gunter of Tyler. Pallbearers will be: Devyn McBride Rumbos, Charles Christopher Gunter McBride, Charles Cole Gunter, Alejandro Rumbos, Don R. Long, and Guy Stewart. Honorary Pallbearers will be: Alexander Parkhurst, Blair Stewart, William “Billy” Gardner, and R.C. Luce. Visitation is scheduled from 5:00-7:00 pm at Stewart Funeral Home, 7525 Old Jacksonville Highway, Tyler, TX. 75703, on Thursday, June 12, 2025. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Heart to Heart Hospice or the Alzheimer’s Alliance of Tyler. Charles Gunter: A Life Well Lived He cherished every moment with his family or as he called it: La Familia!

Charles A. Gunter

September 14, 1946 - June 9, 2025