Gunn Obituaries - My (New) Homepage

Walter Gunn
The world of aviation has lost one of its most enthusiastic proponents. Walter, son of Eva and
Clarence Gunn, was born June 10, 1921. He left his family and this earth in the evening hours
of September 15, 2006. Walt had two careers, excelling in both. As a TWA Pilot for 39 years,
he flew almost every aircraft TWA had in service, from the Douglas DC-3 to the Boeing 747.
He spent the last fifteen years of his career with TWA as an international pilot. Walt logged
over 28,000 flying hours with more than 1,000 ocean crossings. He was known and respected
by many all over the world as a result of his many travels. His second career began during the
height of his first. Walt pursued studies in clinical psychology with a focused interest on
human factors in aviation. He spent many hours at the University of Kansas Medical Center
teaching seminars helping people overcome their fear of flying. As Assistant Clinical
Professor of Psychology in the Department of Psychiatry, he was also deeply involved in
research centered on state dependent learning. He received his Ph.D. in psychology 6 months
after his retirement from TWA in 1981. As a Professor at Central Missouri State University in
Warrensburg, Missouri, he taught "Human Factors in Flight Management" where he
inspired many students to enter the Airline Industry, and helped many orchestrate their
careers. A generous man, Walt later donated his beloved Porterfield aircraft to CMSU, the
very aircraft he flew to earn his license. The author of three books, he partially documented
his extensive knowledge of the Aviation Industry. Walt was a member of The Quiet Birdmen,
The Greater Kansas City Psychological Association, TWA Active Retired Pilots Association,
and The Central Missouri State University President"s Club. He was an Eagle Scout and a
member of the Tribe of Mic-O-Say. Farming was his favorite of many hobbies. He was an
active member of the Airline History Museum at the Downtown Airport in Kansas City. He
spent much of his spare time working on the restoration of the Museum"s Douglas DC-3.
Surviving Family members include his wife of 64 years Bette Lu; Daughter Nancy Mann, Son
Richard and wife Pamela Gunn; Granddaughters Dr. Allison and James Henschel, Amy and
Thomas Gehlen, Hannah and Melanie Gunn; Great Grandchildren, Ashley and Emily Lu
Gehlen, and Benjamin and Sophia Henschel; Brother and Champion Lt. Col. George Gunn
(USAF Ret) and Sister Mary Knutson, and many nieces and nephews. Walt was preceded in
death by his parents and sons Timothy, Douglas, and Walter III. In Lieu of flowers, the
Family request donations to be made to "The Dr. Walter H. Gunn Scholarship in Aviation
Technology" at Central Missouri State University, Department of Aviation, Warrensburg,
MO 64093. A memorial service will be held on September 21, 2006 at 6:00 pm at Old Mission
United Methodist Church 5519 State Park Rd, Fairway, KS 66205 913262-1040. Published in
the Kansas City Star on 9/18/2006.
Walter H. Gunn
Rockford, Ill. June 21, 1921.—Walter H. Gunn. formerly a resident of Fairdale, father Of
Herbert H. Gunn of Rockford, died on June 12,. 1921 in Kearney, Neb., where he had ben
living In recent years. Mr. Gunn was born in Freeport, Ill., in 1867, and spent most of his
early life in Rockford and its vicinity, having lived in Franklin township most of time prior to
his removal to Nebraska In 1907, Death was due to neuritis. Mr. Gunn leaves a widow,
daughter, Bessie, living in Kearney; three sons, Russell W., Clarence A,, and Oren S., of
Kansas City, Mo.
Walter Harold Gunn