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In Loving Memory
Pete Gunter

Pete Gunter

1939  —  2026


Faith And Family

A Life Remembered

Obituary

Roy “Pete” Gunter, 87, of Hardin, Texas, passed away peacefully on October 10, 2026, in Liberty. He was born on May 18, 1939, in Batson, Texas, to the late Archie Neal Gunter and Ola Lee Doucette Gunter.

Pete was a man of unwavering faith, a devoted husband and father, and a cherished grandfather and great-grandfather. His life was a testament to his love for Christ, his family, and his community. He faithfully served as a deacon for more than 50 years, demonstrating a lifelong commitment to his faith and to serving others.

Pete also dedicated more than four decades of his life to coaching football and teaching science. Through his years as an educator and coach, he touched countless lives, sharing not only his knowledge and love of the game but also the values of hard work, dedication, and perseverance. His influence extended far beyond the classroom and football field, leaving a lasting impression on the many students and athletes he mentored throughout the years. Outside of his work and church, Pete found great joy in the outdoors. He loved gardening and cultivating beautiful flowers, taking pride in keeping his yard immaculate

Above all, Pete treasured his family. He leaves behind a legacy of faith, love, and devotion that will continue through the many lives he touched and the generations who will carry his memory forward.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Hallie JoAnn Gunter; his children, Randy Gunter and wife Jenny, and Kelley Cooper and partner Glenn; his grandchildren, Brian Gunter and wife Melanie, Cody Croft and girlfriend Melissa, Matthew Gunter and wife Rachel, Kadie Koen and husband Cameron, Kelsi Hilton and husband Caleb, Jonathan Gunter and wife Janiece, and Connor Cooper; and 12 great-grandchildren, who brought him much joy and pride.

Pete was preceded in death by his parents, Archie Neal Gunter and Ola Lee Doucette Gunter; his sister, LaGretha “Toopie” Yarbrough; and his great-grandchild, Kai Cameron Koen.

Serving as pallbearers in honor of Pete’s life and memory will be Brian Gunter, Cody Croft, Matthew Gunter, Jonathan Gunter, Connor Cooper, Cameron Koen, and Caleb Hilton.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 15, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Faith and Family Funeral Services. Funeral services will be held on Friday, October 16, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Mt. Calvary Baptist Church, with Pastors Brian Gunter and Bill Fabriguze officiating. Burial will follow at Hardin Chapel Cemetery.

Pete’s life was one of faith, service, and love. Though he will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him, his legacy will live on in the family he cherished, the lives he influenced, and the countless memories he leaves behind.

Special thanks to Pete’s care givers during this last year: Lisa, Tina, LaDonna, Dianne and the rest of the staff at Magnolia Place and Gentiva Hospice.

For anyone who may wish to make a Memorial Contribution in lieu of flowers, please consider:

Coaches Outreach, a ministry that Pete supported for many years with a mission to reach coaches and their families. He especially appreciated their work toward supporting the marriages of coaches, who spend countless hours away from their families. He treasured handwritten thank you notes every summer from coaches and their spouses who were touched by marriage retreats sponsored by Coaches Outreach. Memorial contributions to Coaches Outreach may be directed to

Coaches Outreach
14140 Midway Road, Ste. 102
Dallas, TX 75244

Pete Gunter Memorial Scholarship: A scholarship fund has been established in Pete’s memory to assist students as they continue their education beyond high school. The scholarship will prioritize football offensive linemen in the south Liberty County schools where he spent most of his career: Liberty High School, Dayton High School, and Hardin High School. You may direct contributions to

Pete Gunter Memorial Scholarship
c/o First Liberty Bank
1900 San Houston
Liberty, Texas 77575

Service Details

Gatherings in remembrance

Visitation

Thursday, October 15, 2026 · 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Faith and Family Funeral Services
40847 TX-105, Batson, TX 77519

Funeral

Friday, October 16, 2026 · 10:00 AM

Mt. Calvary Baptist Church
2988 TX-105 East, Hull, TX 77564

Graveside

Friday, October 16, 2026 · Following Service

Hardin Chapel Cemetery
1005 FM 834 Road Hardin, Liberty County, Texas 77575

Messages of Love

From family and friends

Rita Fregia October 14, 2026
So sorry for your loss JoAnn. Pete was a great man and Christian leader he will be deeply missed. Sending love and prayers for comfort and peace during this difficult time.
Terry Donatto October 13, 2026
Thank you coach for driving me in the weight room and on the football field. I remember the yelling because he believed I had more in me, and I remember his cheering was just as loud. You were a phenomenal coach.
Nancy Alford Donahoe October 13, 2026
So sorry for your loss. Sending prayers for comfort and peace during this difficult time
Angel Leal October 13, 2026
Coach Gunter thank you for making Football the best game ever but most of all, not only were you my Coach, you even became a friend after Graduation. Will miss you! Love you Coach!
Chuck Willingham October 13, 2026
He sent in Defensive Plays to me as my J.V. Coach and was Varsity Defensive Coordinator for us when the Dayton Broncos made the Playoffs in 1985. Rest In Peace, Coach.
Steve Webb October 13, 2026
I coached with Pete at Hardin HS in the 80s. I always appreciated his leadership and how devoted he was to the kids at that school. Rest in peace Coach Gunter.
Michael McLemore October 13, 2026
My first football coach in 1979 at WWJH - Dayton. He quickly sized me up as a guard. I played both guard and center forevermore. Rest in peace Coach. See ya sooner than later.
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