Earl Joseph Lawrence Gunther

Earl Joseph Lawrence "E.J." Gunther, 89, passed away at Chateau Terrebonne Health Center in Houma, Louisiana on Saturday, October 29, 2016. E.J. was the only son born to Charles Lawrence "Gabe" and Norma Marie (Jones) Gunther on June 10, 1927 in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Educated in New Orleans public schools, E.J. was especially proud to have graduated from Samuel J. Peters High School in June, 1944 shortly after his seventeenth birthday. With parental permission after graduation, he enlisted in the United States Navy to serve his country in World War II. E.J. received at the conclusion of the war an honorable discharge at the rank of Seaman First Class. He continued a 40 year federal career with the Veterans' Administration and retired as Executive Director for the Federal Executive Board of the State of Louisiana.

On September 14, 1968, he married his "Babe" of 48 years, Beverly Rose Hymes. In recent months the love of his life entered her eternal rest. EJ and Bev enjoyed many years of dancing with friends on Sunday nights.

He enjoyed telling jokes, golfing, hats, and eating the largest raw oysters on the half shell.

E.J. had two sisters. Myra G. Berthiaume who died in 1967 gave him the gift of her granddaughters, Myra Claire and Mattie Grace Berthiaume.

E.J. arrived in Houma in 2016. He forged a special loving bond with his grandnieces, Myra and Mattie and their mom, Wendy Berthiaume, whose daily morning visits of snacks, songs, hugs and kisses before the start of their day meant the world to him.

He is survived by his baby sister, Joan G. Hooks of Metairie and husband, Lamar, who visited E.J. faithfully, bringing his favorite dishes from New Orleans area restaurants along with love and support; his "bonus baby" sister in his first cousin and godchild, Cathy Schweitzer Toepfer of Houma and husband, Henry, took tremendous care of E.J. daily while maintaining his dignity and comfort; his niece, Leslie B. Klos (Jim) and their son, Zachary Klos; and nephew, Michael C. Berthiaume (Wendy) and parents of Myra and Mattie, Louis "Briant" Berthiaume (Lorie) and Lamar O. Hooks, Jr. (Natalie).

The family would like to express their gratitude to all those who through expressions of love, care, visits, prayers, food and support for E.J. and family, your outreach made a difficult time much easier. You will always be remembered for your compassion.

Donations in E.J. memory may be made to the Disabled American Veterans (www.dav.org), Fisher House Foundation (www.fisherhouse.org) or to the charity of your choice that supports veterans and their families.

Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend the Memorial Visitation at MOTHE FUNERAL HOMES, 2100 Westbank Expy., Harvey, LA on Saturday, November 12, 2016 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. A Memorial Mass will follow in the Funeral Home Chapel. Interment Westlawn Memorial Park.

For directions or to view and sign the online guest book, please visit: www.mothefunerals.com.