Forrest Wayne Gunckel

Forrest Wayne Gunckel, 68, of Seguin, TX, lost his battle with cancer on September 17, 2023. He passed away peacefully and was surrounded by his loving family. Forrest expressed his love for his family and said "I've had a good run and I'm going to see my buddies."

Forrest was born on February 2, 1955, at the former Gary Air Force Base in San Marcos, TX, to Shirley Rose Schultz Gunckel and Larry Wayne Gunckel. He spent most of his childhood years at his father's military assignments in Florida, Alabama, Colorado, and finally settled in Seguin, Texas upon his father's retirement from the Air Force in 1972.

Forrest went to Seguin High School and worked part time for the Koehler Company. After high school, he became a full-time employee and quickly learned the methods and techniques of cabinet making and demonstrated that he was a talented craftsman. One day, early in his days there, Mr. Koehler came into the office and wanted to know who taught Forrest how to read blueprints. In his early 20's, Forrest decided to start his own business and went on to have a successful career as the owner of Gunckel Custom Cabinets, doing business as Gunckel Architectural Millworks. He started his business as a one-man operation, working out of a Volkswagen bus and his garage, doing small individual and residential jobs. As business increased, he built a large addition onto his garage and added some employees. He eventually acquired a warehouse at the company's current location on West Kingsbury Street. He set it up with state of the art equipment and began to take on large commercial projects. With a passion for woodwork, he dedicated countless hours to perfecting his craft and becoming a successful entrepreneur. His dedication and expertise in his field were highly regarded by his colleagues and clients.

Even though business was his primary interest throughout his life, Forrest still found time for other pursuits and had a passion for golf, fishing, gardening, and cooking, with a special talent for barbecuing. He grew lots of fresh vegetables, sharing with his family and friends. He was a scratch golfer with a negative handicap and was a club champion at the former Chaparral Country Club. Forrest's dream was to retire in Rockport, where he could fish to his heart's content. It is there that his final resting place will be; his ashes to be scattered at sea.

Forrest had a vibrant personality and was especially known for his wit and sense of humor. He had a special bond with his dog, Jax, who brought him immense joy and companionship.

Forrest will be deeply missed by his loving daughter, Lindsey Amstead, son-in-law, Brent Amstead, and grandkids Kylee and Asher. His father, Larry Gunckel, and step-mother, Jodie Gunckel, mourn his loss deeply. Forrest also leaves behind his sister, Cindy Curnel, brother-in-law, Avery Curnel, as well as his sister, Terry Atkinson and partner, Jim Roe, and numerous nieces and nephews. His beloved dog Jax will also forever miss him. He is preceded in death by his mother, Shirley Gunckel, and his brother, Gary Gunckel.

Forrest Wayne Gunckel will forever be remembered for his humor, love for his family, and his dedication to his craft. He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

A Celebration of Life service will be held to honor and remember Forrest's life on October 28th at 12:00 pm at Faith Lutheran Church, 1326 East Cedar St. in Seguin, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial tributes be made in the form of charitable donations to the American Cancer Society.