Marion Eugene Gunn

On March 17, 2020, Marrion E. Gunn passed away peacefully surrounded by his family and friends. Marion was born in St. Louis, Missouri, on October 29, 1926 to the late William and Effie Swan Gunn. The family lived in St. Louis for several years before moving back to the country in Stoddard County, Missouri. He grew up working in cotton fields and learned the value of hard work. Marion was drafted into the army January 10, 1945 and served in Hawaii until August 28th, 1946. While in Hawaii, he made the decision to attend a church service and received a gift that would sustain him for the rest of his life, the gift of the Holy Ghost. He loved to tell the story of how he received the Holy Ghost, speaking in the native Hawiain tongue. Upon discharge from the army, Marion met the love of his life, L. Ruth Gunn. They were married on April 10, 1948. Marion and Ruth had seven children Terry, James, Marsha, Thomas, Dennis, Melanie, and Curtis. His family and faith became the center of his universe. He taught his children the importance of living a godly life and demonstrated faithfulness to God, church, and his family on a daily basis. Marion Gunn was a founding member of The Sanctuary in Hazelwood, Missouri. He was always active in some capacity at the church, whether serving on the board, painting, playing his guitar, or in later years, his harmonica. Marion was preceded in death by his precious wife, Ruth Gunn and his oldest son, Terry Gunn. He is survived by his six children, James Gunn (and wife, Linda), Marsha Johnston (and husband, Robin), Thomas Gunn (and wife, Carol), Dennis Gunn (and wife, Michell), Melaine Claborn, and Curtis Gunn (and wife, Jennifer), daughter-in-Law Julia Gunn, his fourteen grandchildren, twenty-one great grandchildren, and one great great grandchild. Marion was adored and will be greatly missed by his two sisters (Dorthy Cook and June Dixon) brother (Kenneth Gunn), many nieces and nephews, and a host of family and friends. A PUBLIC LIFE CELEBRATION SERVICE WILL BE HELD AT A FUTURE DATE TBD IN LIEU OF FLOWERS, PLEASE MAKE A DONATION TO THE BENEVOLENCE FUND OF THE SANCTUARY AT: https://thesanctuaryupc.com/ The family extends a special thanks to Archway Funeral Home for their care and support during this time. A MESSAGE FROM ARCHWAY MEMORIAL CHAPEL: IMPORTANT MESSAGE: Shortly after announcing the new cases of COVID19, St. Louis Mayor Lyda Krewson and St. Louis County Executive Sam Page further restricted public gatherings, limiting them to 10 in the city by just after midnight Friday morning, and nine in the county, by just after midnight Thursday morning. “We know that there has been community exposure to some folks. We believe that means there likely has been community transmission,” Krewson said at a press conference Wednesday afternoon. “We don’t know all of that because we don’t have enough testing.” The bans do not apply to grocery stores, places of employment, retails stores outside of malls, or public transit. But Page specified that funeral homes, fitness centers, country clubs and indoor shopping malls in the county must comply. Those who are found to violate the order will face a misdemeanor, he said. Services Will be Private Due by Invitation only due to the current Covid19 outbreak. This decision has come after much consideration and consultation with multiple agencies. This isn't something that we want to do, but feel is absolutely necessary. The owners and staff of Archway Memorial Chapel are keeping apprised of the current situation and are following all requirements and guidelines of health and government officials. While there have been only a few cases of the coronavirus confirmed in Missouri, that number is increasing, and out of an abundance of caution, we are proactively instituting the following policy: For the family, as always, call us. As funeral professionals, we are staying abreast of all the latest information from public health officials, though it is ever changing. We remain prepared to serve. It is important to know, we are still able to care for your loved one as usual, including preparation of your loved one for viewing. As far as making arrangements, we will meet with you in any way that you are comfortable, whether in person or via email or telephone. We are still here to help you. Please know that you can still memorialize your loved one. We will work with you to find an option that meets the needs of your family, although it may look different than “normal.” Effective March 17, 2020 we will not be able to offer any public visitations or services until the restriction guidelines from the Center for Disease Control are updated. We will only have private services for immediate family only. We will be able to live stream the service to our website and through our facebook page at the agreement of the family. Please understand that this decision is not an easy decision to make as we understand that the grieving process is very personal and very hard. We encourage the community members to reach out to the family via phone calls, emails, social media, etc. and support them in that manner. Archway Memorial Chapel feels that it is imperative that we follow the suggested guidelines from our local, state, and national leaders to do our part in stopping the spread of this unprecedented virus. We have watched the events in Italy unfold and do not want to see the same type of situation happen in the United States. While some may feel that this decision is “overreacting”, we feel that after careful consultation with public health officials and local and state agencies that this is the proactive way to do our part, but most importantly, the right decision for the safety and wellbeing of our communities. If you are part of the immediate family nine that will be attending a service, please adhere to the following suggestions to protect all involved: If you are sick or not feeling well, have a persistent cough or sneeze, a fever or other health issues, please do not attend. While this is good advice always, it is especially important during this time of heightened concern. Those over 70 years of age are at a greater risk. You can send your condolences in the mail or through our website (if you have that capability) and we will forward it to them. The family will understand. If, while at a funeral, you feel a cough or sneeze coming on, be sure to cover your nose and mouth, if possible, move away from other people and be sure to wash and sanitize your hands right away. Avoid, hugging, kissing, and shaking hands. While we know this is difficult to do at a service, everyone will understand.

Marion Eugene Gunn

October 29, 1926 - March 17, 2020