Charles Anthony Gunderman

With heavy hearts and deep sorrow, we share the passing of Charles (“Charlie”) Anthony Gunderman, of Hattieville, Arkansas, a beloved brother, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, on Tuesday, August 4, 2026. Charlie was a man of steady wisdom and capable hands. Strong-willed and direct, he lived with purpose, grit, and unwavering devotion to his family and faith. He loved deeply, gave freely of himself, and approached life with quiet strength and determination. His presence was constant and reassuring, and his example shaped the lives of those who knew and loved him. A true craftsman, Charlie was skilled as a carpenter, plumber, electrician, locksmith, and business owner. He worked for Kordsmeier Furniture while in high school and at the Crestliner Boat Factory, then at Rhem Builders Supply (later Quality Builders Supply) from 1962 to 1983. He then founded Morrilton Hardware and Electric. Over time, he expanded his work to include water pump servicing and locksmithing, and later opened Central Locksmith and Pump Service. He took pride in doing things right and in serving his community with integrity and reliability. Prior to retirement, he downsized to focus on locksmithing. Ruth would say he was a genius at fixing or building just about anything he put his mind to. Charlie was a lifelong member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in St. Vincent, Arkansas, and a devoted member of the Knights of Columbus, Council 5209, and of Fourth Degree Father William Beck Assembly 2081 for more than 50 years. Outside of work, he found joy in simple yet meaningful things. He loved to cook and maintained large, well-tended vegetable gardens. He cherished time at Crooked Oak Deer Camp in St. Vincent, which later became his home. There he enjoyed hosting others and watching the wildlife he cared for—deer, birds, squirrels, and the fish in his pond. He was a man of routine and steadiness, finding peace in the rhythms of daily life. Charlie was not in favor of daylight saving time and liked to share his views on that matter and on other issues he thought should be remedied. He had two clocks prominently displayed-one for standard time and one for daylight. He set his routine and most clocks year-round on standard time. Charlie was born on Thursday, February 19, 1942, at 5:40 a.m., to John S. and Ottilia Gunderman. He attended St. Vincent Catholic School through the eighth grade and graduated from Sacred Heart High School in Morrilton in 1960. He joined the Arkansas National Guard and served active duty at Fort Leonard Wood, MO, and Fort Jackson, SC, spending six years with the National Guard. On June 10, 1961, he married Ruth Ann Swope. Together they shared nearly 44 years of marriage and raised two children, Kimberly (Gunderman) Thompson (Bill) and Robert Gunderman (Esta Mae). He lost Ruth to cancer on March 26, 2005. He later married Theresa Hess Duncan on April 6, 2013. Charlie was preceded in death by his parents, John S. and Ottilia Gunderman; his wife, Ruth Gunderman; and his brothers, Harold Gunderman, John F. Gunderman, and Norbert Gunderman. He is survived by his second wife, Theresa (Duncan) Gunderman; sister, Barbara Burgener; daughter, Kimberly Thompson (Bill); son, Robert Gunderman (Esta Mae); stepson, Joe Duncan (Vonda); stepdaughters, Diane Balding (Daniel), Sarah Hatch, and Georgette Smith; grandson, Joshua Thompson (Michele); granddaughters, Heather Katzakian (Charlie) and Stacie (Jeremy) Ruff; step-grandchildren; and great-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren. Charlie’s life was a testament to hard work, faith, and love. He taught those around him how to live—with courage, humility, and heart. Even in his final challenges, he carried himself with dignity and bravery, embodying the same quiet strength that defined his life and consistently showing genuine kindness and affection toward others. And in a way that would make him smile, his family and friends remember the young man who would walk into Cups Drive-In Dairy Diner, head to the jukebox, and play his favorite song—“El Paso”—as everyone said, “Here comes Charlie. He’s going to play El Paso.” A Rosary and Visitation Service will be held at Harris Funeral Home in Morrilton, AR on Thursday, the 6th day of August from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. A funeral Mass will be Friday, August 7th at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church at 11 Kaufman Lane, Hattieville, AR 72063, celebrated by Father Charlie Thessing and Father Mark Abban, Pastor. Interment will be at St. Mary’s Cemetery near the Church. A dinner for friends and family will follow in the Parish Hall, hosted by the St. Mary’s Altar Society.

Charles Anthony Gunderman

February 19, 1942 - August 4, 2026