Ricky Joe “Rick” Gunter, 67, entered the presence of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Friday, July 17, 2026, following a courageous battle with cancer.
Rick was born on July 1, 1959, in Houston, Missouri, to Joe and Shirley Gunter of Success, Missouri. A lifelong lover of the Missouri Ozarks, he cherished its hills, history and people. His passion for preserving the heritage of the region led him to author The Legend of Mad Howard, a prequel to Harold Bell Wright’s beloved novel, The Shepherd of the Hills.
Rick possessed an extraordinary knowledge of Ozarks history and found great joy in sharing it with others. Through his Facebook groups, Ozarks History, Families, and Photographs and Little Town of Marmaros, he connected countless people with their roots, preserving stories and photographs that might otherwise have been forgotten. His kindness, generosity and enthusiasm for history touched the lives of many.
Above all else, Rick was a man of unwavering faith in Jesus Christ. His love for the Lord guided every aspect of his life and was evident to everyone who knew him. He lived with humility, compassion and a servant’s heart, reflecting Christ in both word and deed. His faith in Jesus Christ shone through him every day of his life. His greatest earthly treasures were his family and the relationships God had entrusted to him.
Rick is survived by his beloved wife, Debra Durham Gunter; his son, Jeremy Clinton Gunter and wife, Mackenzie; his daughter, Amanda Gunter Blackwell and husband, Garrett; five cherished grandchildren, all of Texas; his mother, Shirley Davenport Gunter; and his sisters, Tammy Gunter Martin, Vicki Gunter Nelson and Kelly Gunter.
He was preceded in death by his father, Joe Gunter.
A celebration of Rick’s life will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 25, 2026, at Boone Creek Baptist Church. Following the service, he will be laid to rest in the Boone Creek Baptist Church Cemetery. Family and friends are warmly invited to attend as they gather to celebrate Rick’s life, his faith and the enduring hope found in Jesus Christ.
The hills Rick loved so dearly were more than the setting of his life’s work — they reminded him of the One from whom his help came. While his voice is now silent, the stories he preserved, the faith he shared and the love he gave to his family will continue to inspire generations to come. Until we meet again, we lift our eyes to the hills, knowing that Rick has gone home to the Lord he faithfully served.
“I will lift up my eyes to the hills — From whence comes my help? My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth.”
Psalm 121:1–2
