| Thomas M. Gunn DOWNSVILLE — Thomas Monroe Gunn, 88, of Downsville, departed this life and entered into eternal peace on Monday, Nov. 3, 2003. Tom was the son of Lee and Ida Gunn born on March 22, 1915, in the town of Hamden, Mo. He is survived by his beloved wife, Betty, and they celebrated 52 years of marriage earlier this year. Also surviving are two sisters, Wilma Coolick of Little Rock, Ark., and Dorothy Johnson of Mission, Kan.; a sister-in-law, Peggy Curtin; seven nieces, two nephews, 10-great-nieces, two great-nephews; three great-great-nieces; and three great-great-nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and older brother, Howard. He graduated from Salisbury High School in 1932 and went to work in his father's grocery store for a short time then turned to farming, raising both grain and cattle. He also spent time with the Fiedler Oil Company and in 1941 joined the Curtis- Wright Corporation in St. Louis, Mo. Then World War II started and Tom joined the Air Force. He served in Peru, the Panama Canal Zone and Tucson, Ariz. He was a crew chief on both B24 and B29 bombers. He ended his service on Dec. 7, 1945. Tom then came east and joined in a partnership with his brother-in-law, Doctor Charles T. Markert, to establish a dude ranch in Delaware County. Roundup Ranch opened for business in 1947, with Tom taking over the management in 1950. Along with his wife, Betty, the two successfully managed the growing resort to where they employed 25 year-round employees and double that number during the summer months. He both raised and raced quarter horses for the sport and received a state appointment to the Racing and Wagering Board. His commitment to the community was demonstrated by his membership in several organizations. He was proud to serve and be a charter member of the Downsville Lions Club and the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce. He was also a member of the American Legion and held membership for over 67 years in the Masonic Fraternity. In 1996, he received the Francis Kipp Delaware County Democratic Man of the Year. Thomas was a member of the Colchester Community Church of Downsville. He will be fondly remembered and missed by all. Viewing hours are from 7 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2003, with an American Legion Memorial Service at 7 p. m. and a Masonic Service at 8 p.m., at the Knorr Funeral Home, Downsville. The funeral service will be at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 6, 2003, at Colchester Community Church, with the Rev. Joseph Upole officiating. Memorials may be made to Catskill Hospice, Main Street, Delhi, NY 13753. Arrangements are with the Knorr Funeral Home in Downsville. |