of Conway, AR
July 2, 1962 - July 19, 2023
Michael Duane Gunter, 61, of Conway, Arkansas, passed away July 19, 2023 following complications from Parkinson's Disease and brain surgery.
Mike was born July 2, 1962 in Kansas City, Missouri to Robert Duane and Jane ''Anne'' Gunter. Mike was a fan of all things pop culture, movies, music, books, television, comedy, and travel. He was a great storyteller with a wonderful sense of humor. Mike played high school football at Hazelwood Central High School in Florissant, Missouri where he grew up. He was a lifelong Kansas City Chiefs fan.
After high school, Mike's original intention to become a forest ranger was short-lived.
He tried studying business; and then luckily found his way to a film class. Finding his true calling, Mike completed his B. S. in Electronic Media at Southwest Missouri State.
Mike went on to receive an M. A. in Theatre and Film from the University of Kansas, where they still award an annual scholarship bearing his name.
While attending KU, a mutual friend introduced Mike to his future wife, Kathy, who was living in Michigan. They fell in love through old-fashioned letter writing. They were married May 29, 1999 and enjoyed 24 years of marriage.
When Mike became a professor, he was fortunate enough to pass on his love of film to students at Georgia State University and then University of Central Arkansas, where he taught for 19 years. In academia, Mike was able to inspire students to follow their dreams while continuing to pursue his love of writing, producing, and directing several short films, many of which were award-winning.
Family was important to Mike. He was extremely proud of daughter, Sarah, who is following in his creative footsteps, getting her B. F. A. at UCA.
Many thanks go out to the Staff of Visiting Angels, Stonebridge Assisted Living, and Brookridge Cove Nursing Home.
Mike will be greatly missed by his wife, Kathy, daughter, Sarah, and father, Bob Gunter; his sisters, Lori (Scott) Jordt, and Susan (Travis) Deaton; his seven nieces, Andi, Madison, Livia, Jaiden, Abby, Emma and Mae; and many extended family members and friends. He is preceded in death by his loving mother, Anne Gunter.
A service will be held at St. Peter's Episcopal Church of Conway, AR Monday July 31, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. with visitation one hour prior to the service.
Memorials can be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research.
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9 Condolence(s)
Mark E. McMurtrey
Friday, April 19, 2024
I only learned of Michael's passing recently. Although I did not know him well, we served on some UCA committees together and had some fun chit-chat over the years. He was a wonderful man; father, husband, and colleague. Know that he is sorely missed. Condolences to the family. He was a great man.
Robin (McKnight) Thompson
Monday, August 7, 2023
Very sorry to hear of Mike’s passing. We had a lot of fun as the Brenthaven gang! My condolences to his wife and daughter, and to Mr Gunter, Lori and Susan.
Robin (formerly of 1509)
Rickey Gulley
Tuesday, August 1, 2023
I am deeply hurt by the loss of Mr. Gunter. He was my instructor for Digital Film.
I had him for class during the 2003-04 School year.
I still remember meeting him on the first day of school.
The Following is a quick story of how I met him.
I was the first to arrive to class. I saw this rather large guy and asked I him if he knew anything about the professor. Most of the professsors that I had for classes were normally dressed up. He was not. Anyway, he replied, " Yeah, I know a lot about him! I heard that he's a real jerk though. So beware!"
When the class started, he walked from the back to the front of the class and he introduced himself as the professor! We all had a big laugh afterwards.
I graduated from the University of Central Arkansas in the fall of 2006.
Over the years, I still managed to keep in touch with him.
However, it wasn't until recently that I had learned that he had passed away.
I am definitely going to miss my dear friend, Mike!
Sherri Larsen
Tuesday, August 1, 2023
I knew Mike when he ran the a/v and film production studio at Georgia State University. My condolences go out to his family and friends who are surely going to miss this gentle giant of a man. He was one of the good ones.
Doug Hart
Tuesday, August 1, 2023
I only met Mike a handful of times at Sam Moffitt's place during Movie Night back in the 80s, but he was a good guy, always good for a laugh. My condolences to all who knew and loved him.
Barbara and Joe Anderson
Monday, July 31, 2023
Mike Gunter was a friend and colleague for many years, and our respect and affection for him only increased with time. He was honest and truthful, and hard-working, and cared about others beyond himself. In short, he had character. He gave the priceless gift of his example of dedication and generosity to his many students. His passing is a great loss to all of us, and incalculable to his family; our condolences to them.
Jennifer Beach
Friday, July 28, 2023
My deepest condolences to you all. I am holding you close.
Colleen Skeabeck
Friday, July 28, 2023
My love, thoughts, and prayers are always with you.
Mike was a wonderful man. Every time I would see him I would take the opportunity to thank him for being such a wonderful husband to my sister.
Samuel Eli Moffitt
Friday, July 28, 2023
Mike was one of the best friends I ever had, he will be greatly missed. I am writing my own tribute, which is emotionally wrenching, I will post it soon.