Leroy Van Gunter

Leroy Van Gunter, son of the late Wanda (Hicks) Gunter, was born Feb. 2, 1966, in Jefferson City. He peacefully went to rest on Jan. 14, 2025, at Autumn Oaks nursing home at the age of 58. Leroy grew up in Dora. He loved hunting and fishing. The highlight of his hunting season every year was when he took his grandkids, niece and nephews out with him. He was a logger for years and loved to tell about all his adventures logging all over the state of Missouri. He was one of a kind. This man was able to make sure you never forgot him if you had the privilege to meet him.
Besides his mother, Leroy was preceded in death by his grandparents, George and Marie Hicks; one brother, Jesse Gunter; one sister-in-law, Penny Gunter; and one infant brother, Ricky Gunter. Leroy is survived by three children, Allie Gunter, of Mountain Grove; Rodney Smith, of Mountain Grove; and Jesse Gunter, of Dora; 10 grandchildren, Heavenly Harris, Jewella Harris, Zaydin Gunter, Raidence Howard, Bray-lynn Gunter, Samaya Gunter, Sumor Smith, Sam Smith, Skyler Smith and Mylie Gunter, one brother, Matt Gunter and his wife, Angel; one niece, Kerrigan Gunter; her son, Aidan Gunter; nephew, Alex Gunter; and many other relatives and friends who will miss him dearly. Visitation for Leroy Gunter was held on Monday, Jan. 27, 2025, from 10:30-11:30 a.m. at Blackjack Church in Dora. Funeral services followed at 11:30 a.m. with Pastor Victor Murdy officiating. Song selections were, “Freebird,” “Simple Man,” “Home,” and a special song written and sung by his nephew Alex Gunter, “I’m Fishing With God.” Those serving as pallbearers were, Josh Dean, Daniel Hale, Alex Gunter, Ethan Hicks, Rodney Smith, Sam Parsons and Gary Riley. Honorary pallbearers were Matt Gunter and Nathan Roth. Burial was in the Pleasant Home Cemetery in Drury, under the direction of Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home – Mountain Grove. Online condolences: www.craighurttfuneralhome.com.