Michael Edward Gunter Jr.

Michael Edward Gunter, Jr., age 47, of Herrin, passed away Sunday, February 8, 2026 at his residence in Herrin.
He was born Monday, May 8, 1978 in Herrin Hospital, a son of Lana Jean (Jones) Williams and Michael Edward Gunter.
Michael, a devoted son, father, and friend, leaves behind a grieving family and a community that loved him dearly. As a 10-year dedicated employee of the City of Herrin, Michael was a hard worker and a valued member of the team. However, his true passion and greatest joy was being a father to his boys. He was their coach and confidant, and they were his everything. At Herrin First Baptist Church, Michael found a sense of community and purpose, and he was a faithful member of the congregation. He loved being outdoors, hiking, and exploring the great outdoors with his family, and he passed on his love of adventure to his boys. As a baseball coach, Michael poured his heart and soul into his boys, teaching them the importance of teamwork, perseverance, and sportsmanship. He was a guiding light in their lives, and his influence will be felt for generations to come. Michael's love for Star Wars and the St. Louis Cardinals was legendary. But it was his boys and baseball that truly made his heart sing.
"Gunter" is survived by his wife- Lacey (Leeper) Gunter; two sons- Payton and Eric Gunter; father- Mike (Sheri) Gunter; mother- Lana Williams; mother-in-law- Becky Leeper; father-in-law- Jody Leeper; sister-in-law- Shelby Leeper; brother-in-law- Chad (Amy) Manering; brother-in-law- Mason Mize; niece- Claire Manering; nephew- Carter Manering; step-brother- Michael Wohlford; step-sister- Rebecca Bergman along with her sons, Michael and William; and his aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family members and numerous dear friends.
He is preceded in death by his precious son- Ben Anakin Gunter; sister- Kathy Gunter-Manering; paternal grandparents- Bennie and Almeta Gunter; and his maternal grandparents- Floyd Jones and Norma Pierce.
Graveside services to celebrate Michael's life will be held Monday, February 16, 2026, 11:00 AM at Herrin City Cemetery with Rev. Mark Goldman officiating. Family and friends are invited to gather directly at the cemetery beginning at 10:00 AM.
Following graveside services, a meal will be held in Michael's honor, at the Herrin First Baptist Church, located at 1500 S. 13th Street, where all are invited to continue in time of fellowship and remembrance.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial gifts be made to St. Louis Children's Hospital in loving memory of Ben, whose courageous battle with leukemia touched Michael's heart deeply. Donations may be mailed to Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home; PO Box 429; Herrin, IL 62948. Envelopes will also be available at the graveside services.
Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home in Herrin is honored to serve the family in such a precious time. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.johnsonhughes.com or call 618-942-3102 for more information.
Michael's love, laughter, and legacy will live on through his boys, who he loved with every fiber of his being. He will be deeply missed, but his impact will be forever felt.