Lucian Albert Gunter III

It is with a soft heart that we announce the passing of Lucian Albert Gunter III, known to family and friends as Lou, Dad, Grandaddy, and GGD, at the age of 91, on November 21, 2024, in San Angelo, Texas. Lucian was born on July 22, 1933, in Norfolk, Virginia, to the late Lucian Albert Gunter Jr. and Beulah Jones Gunter.
Lucian's life was a testament to his dedication to service, passion for adventure and love for family. He graduated from Kempsville High School in 1951, then went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of New Orleans in 1969. He furthered his education with a double major in Economics from the University of Nebraska in 1970.
In 1951, Lucian enlisted in the United States Air Force. In 1953 he entered the Aviation Cadets, and he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in 1954. Over the course of his 22 years of service, he rose to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, serving in various capacities and locations, including Goodfellow AFB in San Angelo, where he was awarded his fixed-wing flight rating. During his service, he completed six weeks of Jungle Survival Training and Arctic Survival Training, experiences that reflected both his resilience and his commitment to readiness. Lucian's military career included two tours in the Korean War and one in the Vietnam War. He was awarded nine military honors for his service. After retiring from the Air Force in February of 1973, Lucian continued his work in aviation, project manager over plane assembly for Mitsubishi until operations closed. Lou then took up his passion of day trading.
Lucian's life was marked by his many passions and talents. He loved sports, participating in various activities throughout his life, and he was an active member of numerous organizations, including the Masons. His true joy, however, was in dancing, whether ballroom, square dancing, or his own version of the Texas two-step, Lucian was a sought-after partner, always with a line of dancers waiting for a chance to share the floor with him. His flirtatious charm and vibrant personality made him a beloved figure in every community he was part of.
He was also a member of the Southland Baptist Church and First Church of the Nazarene in San Angelo. Known for his humor, Lucian loved to tell jokes whenever he could, although he was often amused by his own tendency to forget the punchline. Lou also had a well-known sweet tooth, and few things brought him as much joy as a scoop of ice cream or a cold root beer.
Above all, Lucian's greatest role was providing for his family. He was the sole caregiver for his wife, Gloria, who battled Parkinson's disease for many years. Lucian selflessly cared for her until her passing in 2001, demonstrating a depth of love and commitment that was truly inspiring.
Lucian is survived by his daughter, Lynn A. Deering (husband-Casey); his son, Lucian A. Gunter IV; his grandchildren, Tiffany L. Abundis (husband-Chris), Becca A. Fischer (husband-Dj), Cole T. Deering (wife-Margaret), and Corinne R. Deering; and his great-grandchildren, Hailey R. Abundis, Greenlee R. Maberry, Tayla R. Abundis, and Dalton J. Fischer. He is also survived by his nephew, Doug Hughes, and niece, Patty Hughes Shook, as well as his beloved cats, Princess and Atta-Boy. Also including his precious caregivers over the past several years.
Lucian was preceded in death by his wife, Gloria Swanson Roberts Gunter; his father, Lucian Albert Gunter Jr., and mother, Beulah Jones Gunter; his sister, Marcella Hughes; and his niece, Debroah (Hughes) Rhodes.
Lucian's legacy of humor, devotion, stubbornness, and love will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. He will be deeply missed, but his memory will forever motivate those who knew him.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA) or the Dementia Society of America, causes that would have been meaningful to Lucian. Service will be held on Monday, December 2nd, at 10am at San Angelo First Church of the Nazarene with burial to follow at Lawnhaven Cemetary.
Rest in peace, Lou. You will forever be loved and remembered.