George Gunn, Jr.

October 11, 1922 - June 22, 2004

George Gunn, Jr. was born October 11, 1922 in Sturgis, South Dakota, the son of George J. and Vesta Cora (Curtis) Gunn. George grew up on a ranch south of Wall, and attended school at Lincoln Grade School. He then attended Wall High School, graduating in 1940. After graduation he moved to Washington, where he worked in a shipyard.

In 1941, George entered the United States Army, serving in the European Theatre during World War II, and took part in the Battle of the Bulge and Normandy Beach. George was honorably discharged in October 1945. After his discharge, he moved back to Wall. George was united in marriage to Laura Jean Welsh on June 1, 1947 in Wall. They made their home on their ranch south of Wall until moving to Wall, where George delivered gas for Standard Oil. In 1952 they moved to Wasta, where George served as Postmaster, a position he held for thirty-six years. They moved to a ranch near Wasta in 1964, where he began ranching and continuing his postmaster duties. They continue to reside on the ranch.

George was a member of the Wasta Methodist Church, the Wasta Volunteer Fire Department, the Shrine of Democracy Barbershop Chorus, the Quinn VFW, and the Carroll McDonald American Legion Post #246 of Wall. During his life George was a Scout Master of the Wasta Boy Scout Troop, coached grade school basketball in Wasta, and served as clerk for the town of Wasta.

George was an avid supporter of rodeo, and raised a lot of great horses.

Grateful for having shared his life include his wife Laura Jean Gunn of Wasta; three sons Rodney Gunn and his wife Gloria of Rapid City, Terry Gunn and his wife Karen of Wasta, and Scott Gunn and his wife Linda of Owanka; three daughters Barbara Williamson and her husband Glen of Owanka, Jacqueline Johnson and her husband Paul of Pratt, Kansas, and Denise Nelson and her husband Tim of Midland; twenty grandchildren; sixteen great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; and a host of other relatives and friends.

George was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters Esther Felt and Idella Ford; and one brother Lester Gunn.