Samuel Perry Gunter

1947 - 2025

WEST DECATUR - Samuel Perry Gunter, 78, was rewarded with his heavenly home on Dec. 8, 2025. He passed very peacefully surrounded by his loving family at his home located in The Village of Hope, West Decatur.

Samuel was born on July 6, 1947, to the late Leo and Mildred (Copelin) Gunter of rural Philipsburg.

He was a graduate of the Philipsburg - Osceola Area High School. He also attended Roberts Wesleyan College, Rochester, New York.

He was married on Sept. 14, 1968, in Hornell, New York, to the former Barbara Mericle, who survives at home.

He is also survived by a daughter, Lisa Lewis and her husband, Bob, of Clearfield; a son, Timothy Gunter and his wife, Jody, of Philipsburg; three grandchildren, Brooke Foreman, Benjamin Gunter and Brandon Gunter; a brother, Barry Gunter; a sister-in-law, Ann (Mericle) Jenkins; a brother-in-law, James Mericle; and numerous nieces, nephews and other extended family members.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Leo and Mildred; a sister, Janice Summerson; a brother, Ray Gunter; his father and mother-in-law, Rev. Lewis and Beth Mericle; a step-mother, Shirley Mericle; and a grandson, Justin Foreman.

Samuel had an extensive work history through the years. During his career, he was employed as a D.J. for WPHB 1260 AM Radio station and with Piper Aircraft, Quehanna, until its closure. However, he was most proud of his 17 years employed as a corrections officer with the Clearfield County Jail. He also was proud of his years of service in the Pennsylvania National Guard and Army Reserve.

He was a member of the gFree Church, (Gearhartville) RD Philipsburg.

Among his favorite pastimes, he enjoyed deer hunting; and he was an avid Pittsburgh Steeler and Penn State Football fan.

The funeral service will be held on Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025, at 11 a.m., at the gFree Church, 305 Keystone Hill Road, Philipsburg, with Pastor Noel Meyers, officiating.

The family will receive guests on Friday, Dec. 12, 2025, from 4 to 7 p.m., at the Beezer-Heath Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 719 E. Spruce Street, Philipsburg, and on Saturday at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the service.

Military Honors will be accorded following the funeral service.

Interment will be in Philipsburg Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made in Samuel's memory to the gFree Church, 305 Keystone Hill Road, Philipsburg, Pa 16866.

Online condolences and memories may be submitted at www.beezerheathfh.com.