Obituary

Clifton Paris Gunnels, 84, died Wednesday (Sept. 22, 2010) at Cherry Village in Great Bend. He was born on Nov. 16, 1925, in Climax, the son of George Washington and Sarah Aileen (McComb) Gunnels. He was a World War II veteran, proudly serving his country as a signalman in the U.S. Navy. He married Dorothy Ann Tieszen on Aug. 12, 1950, in Marion, S.D. They were married 52 years before her passing on March 22, 2003. He graduated from Ottawa University, after which he attended the Berkely Baptist Divinity School and received his bachelors of divinity degree. He served more than 50 years as a minister in American Baptist churches. He was a Great Bend resident since 2003, coming from Hutchinson. Mr. Gunnels was a member of First Baptist Church in Russell. Survivors include one son, Chuck and wife Mary Kay of Kansas City, Kan.; two daughters, Marsha Frink and husband Cliff of Woodland Park, Colo., and Susan West and husband Terry of Great Bend; six granddaughters; five great-grandsons; and two great-granddaughters. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Warren Gunnels and Larry Gunnels. Friends may sign a register book from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday at Bryant Funeral Home in great Bend. Graveside services with military honors by the U.S. Navy Honor Guard will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at Greenwood Cemetery in Newton. The Rev. Dr. Raymond Reimer will officiate. Memorial contributions may be made to the Navigators in Colorado Springs, Colo., in care of Bryant Funeral Home.