Conrad John Gunther, Sr.

On July 30, 2020, Conrad John Gunther Sr., 84, of Houston, Ark., passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family after a long battle with Alzeheimer's. He was born October 3, 1935 in Bigelow, Ark. He is the oldest son of ten children born to the late Marie Grabher Gunther and the late John A. Gunther of Bigelow, Ark. Conrad was a lifelong member of St. Boniface Catholic Church, New Dixie. He served his church, community and fellow farmers and ranchers in many ways, including being a charter member of Knights of Columbus Council 6680, Grand Knight, Arkansas State Knight of the Year 1991, and Knight of 4th degree. He served 18 years on the school board for East End School District in Bigelow, served on the Arkansas Farm Bureau Board, Farmers Co-Op Board, Soil Conservation Committee, and was a member of the Arkansas Cattlemen's Association. He served his country for eleven years in the Army National Guard. He was a dedicated son, husband, father, brother, Papa and Great Papa. His greatest love, other than family, was farming, ranching, driving tractors, and caring for the animals. He led by example in his faith, the importance of family, and the rewards of a diligent work ethic, all with a twinkle in his eye and a little humor. He was often lovingly nicknamed "Doc" because it was known by all that he could "fix anything" with duct tape or baling wire. A special thank you to the nurses and staff at Kindred Hospice, especially Holly Gregg, Caradee Trejo, and Payton Parks, as well as all of our helpers for the loving care they provided. A huge debt of gratitude also goes out to our very special CNA and friend, Rebecca Martin, who has loved and cared for Daddy just like family. He is survived by his beautiful wife of 59 years, Agnes T. (Sissy) Olles Gunther.; six children. Theresa Gunther Hartman (Mark), Susie Gunther Freyaldenhoven (Todd), Conrad J. Gunther Jr. (Betty), Tommy A. Gunther (Michelle), Don L. Gunther, Nancy Gunther Nosari (Robert); 14 grandchildren, Lance Hartman (Payton), Matt Freyaldenhoven (Gretchen), Brandon Freyaldenhoven (Katie), Spencer Freyaldenhoven, Rose Gunther, Grace Gunther, John Gunther, Clara Gunther, Christopher Gunther (Erica), Cody Gunther (Catherine), Kirt Gunther, Eden Gunther, Lyndon Carden (Natalie), Ren Nosari; 12 great-grandchildren; and a host of relatives, friends, nieces, and nephews who all loved him dearly. He is also survived by six brothers, John Gunther (Joan), Ed Gunther, Joe Gunther (Marilyn), Paul Gunther (Cindy), Raymond Gunther (MaryBeth), Bobby Gunther (Ilene); and three sisters, Anna Marie Gangluff (Ed), Regina Gangluff (Jodie) and Margaret Bruton. Other than his parents, he was preceded in death by one great-grandchild, Julia Faith Freyaldenhoven, and one brother-in-law, Kenneth Bruton. Public graveside service will be held at St. Boniface Catholic Cemetery, New Dixie, Monday, August 3rd, at 11:15 a.m. Public visitation will be held at Harris Funeral Home, Morrilton, on Sunday, August 2nd, 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Social distancing and mask required for all services. Arrangements provided by Harris Funeral Home of Morrilton. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Boniface Catholic Church, 20 St. Boniface Drive, Bigelow, Ark., 72016, or Alzheimer's Arkansas, 201 Markham Center Drive, Little Rock, Ark. 72205 www.alzark.org. Online guestbook: www.harrisfuneralhomes.net