C. Gunning

C. Richard Gunning
June 12, 1923 - June 3, 2015
C. Richard Gunning lost his battle with asthma and cancer June 3, 2015. Rich was doing what he loved, irrigating the upper pasture for his steers at his home near Melba, Idaho when he passed. He was on his 4-wheeler with his wife, dog and friend by his side.
Richard was born June 12, 1923 in Nampa, Idaho to Ola Hargreaves and D. Lloyd Gunning. The family moved to Sunny Slope in 1927 and then in 1933 moved to the Bowmont area. He graduated from Nampa High School in May 1941. Rich spent his life as a farmer. He bought 40 acres in 1944 and the home place in 1947. He married Marilyn Scharfen on September 5, 1950 at St. Paul's Catholic Church in Nampa. They raised row crops, hay and dairy cows. In 1988 they retired from dairy cows. Rich and Marilyn actively continued farming row crops until Rich turned 80 when he started sub-dividing the farm.
Early 1945 Rich took the train to Salt Lake, joined the Naval Reserve and waited for an opening. He attended boot camp in San Diego then furloughed back to Bowmont. Richard rode the train to Navy Pier, Chicago to study mechanical drawing. He celebrated VE DAY May 8, 1945. He attended Radar Training at Shoemaker in Monterey, CA. Richard served on USS Kermit Roosevelt (ARG-16) a repair ship. He sailed from Treasure Island, San Francisco to Okinawa, Japan then took another troop ship to Hong Kong and China for 3 months. Thanksgiving was celebrated with undercooked turkey. Rich went from deck force to ship fitter/welder until mid-June 1946. It took 21 days for the troop ship to return to Treasure Island for his honorable discharge in July 1946. During his time in World War II he received the Asiatic Pacific, American Area and Victory Medals.
Richard was a member of the Bowmont Grange and the American Legion Post #126. He was a 62 year life member of the Elks. He served on the Soil Conservation Board 35 years, acting as Chairman for several terms. He served on the FSA Board for 4 years. He volunteered at the Train Museum in Nampa. His hobbies included: playing pinochle at Melba Senior Center; Holstein steers; 4-wheeler; loved trailer camping and fishing, especially deep sea fishing on the Pacific Coast. He and Marilyn traveled to most states including Alaska and Hawaii, 3 cruises, Mexico and Europe. They enjoyed traveling and camping with the Caldwell Ramblers. Richard is a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church and the Nampa Knights of Columbus.
Richard was preceded in death by his parents; older brother, William "Bill" Gunning and twin brother, Kenneth Gunning. Richard is survived by his wife, Marilyn, at the family home; daughter, Kathy (Bob) Branson of Nezperce; son, Chris (Theresa) Gunning of Boise; grandchildren include: Greg (Jen) Branson, Julie (Scott) Blodgett, Kari Branson, Marissa Gunning, Victoria Gunning, Kayla Gunning and five great-granddaughters.
Rich will be remembered for his ready smile and witty remarks.
Viewing will begin at 6:00 PM on Thursday, June 11th St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Melba with Rosary to follow at 7:00 PM. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 AM on Friday, June 12th at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Melba with lunch to follow at Melba Senior Center. Burial with military honors will be held at the Idaho State Veterans Cemetery at 2:00 PM on Tuesday, June 16th. Services are under the direction of Accent Funeral Home, Meridian. Remembrances may be left for the family at www.AccentFuneral.com.
Memorials can be made in Rich's name to Melba St. Joseph's Catholic Church, c/o St. Paul's Catholic Church, 1515-8th St. So, Nampa, ID 83651; Melba Senior Center, 115 Base Line Rd, Melba, ID 83641 or as desired.