Gerald Wayne Guenther age 83 passed away on December 23, 2020 at the Maple Healthcare facility. Wayne as he was known by was born on July 30, 1937 in De Valls Bluff, Arkansas to Joseph David and Lillian Mabel (Gaddy) Guenther. He married Virginia Ellen Todd on October 16, 1959. In January 1961, he joined the United States Army. After completion of basic and advance training he was stationed in Turkey. Upon an honorable discharge, he took up farming in Sparkman, Arkansas. He also worked at Riceland foods in Stuttgart, Arkansas until he was hired by the De Valls Bluff School District as the bus mechanic/driver. After twenty plus years of service he retired. After retirement, he could be found in his shop working on vehicles and farm equipment with his brother, Jim Guenther. They spent many a day tinkering around on vehicles or just sitting around the wood stove. Listening to them reminiscing about the good ole’ days and listening to the stories of them growing up on the Grand Prairie will always be a treasured and cherished part of our lives.
In December 2007, he married Mildred Starr whom he had known since he was in the second grade. Together they enjoyed their “golden years”. They got to spend almost thirteen years of wedded bliss together until alzheimer’s began to affect him.
Wayne was preceded in death by his wife, Virginia of forty-three years, one sister, Virginia Faye, and two brothers, Donald and Shorty.
He is survived by his wife, Mildred; three sisters, Alice, Marie, and Betty Ann; two brothers, Jimmy and Charles Lynn; daughter, Penny (James) Castilaw and her step-son, Timothy Mink of Greenbrier; one son, Todd (Miranda) Guenther of DeValls Bluff; two granddaughters, Brittany Guenther of Olrey, Texas and Taylor Walicki of Des Arc; two great-grandsons, Kayson and Bo Walicki and a whole host of nieces and nephews.
Our family would like to extend a special thanks to the nurses, cna’s, and staff at the Maple Health Care facility for the care and attention they provided for our dad during his time spent there.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Peppers Lake Church, 4431 Knauff Road, De Valls Bluff, Arkansas 72041.
As a man of many talents, Mr. Wayne Guenther was often admired and appreciated for his ingenuity in solving mechanical problems, his farming ability, and his carpentry skills, among other things. I was privileged to work with him on some construction projects about 35 years ago, and I was impressed by his work ethic and his ability to get a job done efficiently, safely, with the result being a good product. As an excellent conversationalist, he was fun to be around as he and some of his relatives could tell some interesting tales. As we say in the South, he and his family were “good folks”–hard-working, decent, well-mannered, willing to help anyone in need, etc. We will cherish our precious memories of him. May God’s Word and His Holy Spirit (the “Comforter”) provide strength, comfort, and assurance during this time of sorrow.
I am so sorry to hear of Mr. Guenther’s passing. He was such a sweet kind soul. The students and teachers at DeValls Bluff Public Schools loved him very much. I worked with him as a teacher and I have always remembered his helpfulness and kindness to us all. God’s arms around you all and give you peace.