Cleadis O. Gunter

Cleadis (Sonny-Boy) Orville Gunter, 70, passed away peacefully surrounded by family and friends at Kootenai Medical Center in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho on Friday, June 25th, 2010. Cleadis was born in Sandpoint, Idaho on August 18th, 1939 to Clarence and Jewel Gunter. He was the second of eight children, and was raised at the family home on North Boyer near the airport in Sandpoint. He graduated from high school in Sandpoint, ID in 1957, and was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1962 where he served 2 years. He was stationed in Anchorage, Alaska and witnessed the Great Alaska Quake first hand on March 27, 1964. While still in high school he worked at the bowling alley setting pins and drove a laundry truck. After being discharged from the Army, he worked at Heath Techna Factory in Kent, WA assembling pieces of the nose cone for the first Boeing 747. He also enjoyed driving combine in the pea fields in Milton-Freewater, Oregon where he was the first one of the season to roll a truck. And he worked as a Gandy Dancer in various locations for the Railroad. Cleadis married his first wife, Sandra L. Warren in 1966 in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Together they had two children, James Orville and Kimberlee Dawn. In 1980, Cleadis met his second wife, Theresa M. Williams, and in 1982 they had a daughter, Tamara May. Cleadis and Theresa married in 2002 in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Cleadis loved tinkering on and driving his hot rods…a love he shared with all his brothers. He also loved strumming his guitar and making up jingles. He had a nickname and a jingle for just about everybody. He loved music and singing, and preferred playing records over cd’s, cassettes or 8 tracks. He could wear out a needle faster than he could drive. He taught all three of his children how to drive when they were kids, by letting them sit on his lap and steer. He was always quick to lend a helping hand or loan a family member or friend his last $5. Money didn’t mean much to him. He was rich in many other ways. Cleadis loved the Lord, and would preach to anyone who would listen. He felt it was his calling to inform his family and friends about the power that the Lord brings, and spent many years sleeping an odd schedule just so he could watch his religious TV shows that started around 2:30am. He was always quick to tell a story, and greeted everyone with a smile. His laugh was contagious, and cheering up a room was not hard to do when “Uncle Funny” was around. He was a favorite among many nieces and nephews, and always enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He remembered every detail when telling tales of his younger days and living life on the wild side. He took pride in being the oldest Gunter Boy. Cleadis is survived by his mother, Jewel Gunter age 94 of Oakesdale, WA, his wife, Theresa M. Gunter of Sandpoint, ID, his children, James Gunter of Sagle, ID, Kimberlee Gunter of Clark Fork, ID and Tamara Gunter of Cocolalla, ID, his grandson’s, Jacob Gunter of Sagle, ID, Joseph Gunter of Sagle, ID, and Billie Eveland of Spokane, WA, siblings, Bill (Barb) Gunter of Fruitland, WA, Albert Gunter of Sandpoint, ID, Joann (Randy) Johnson of Garfield, WA, Floyd Gunter of Fruitland, WA, Barbara (Bob) Witherell of Oakesdale, WA, James Gunter of Sandpoint, ID and numerous nieces, nephews and friends. Cleadis was preceded in death by his father, Clarence Gunter, sister, Goldie Raynor, brother-in-law, Les Raynor and nephews Donnie Raynor, Billy Gunter and Billy Macumber. Funeral Services will be conducted at 11:00 am, Thursday, July 1st, at Coffelt’s Funeral Chapel in Sandpoint, Idaho. Jon Pomeroy, Sandpoint Church of God, will be officiating. Burial, concluding with Military Honors, will follow at Pinecrest Memorial Park, and a Celebration of Life will be held at the Eagles Lodge located at 1511 John Hudon Ln. in Sandpoint following graveside services.