Roll Call Tribute

Brent Norman Gunter 

June 8, 1960 - January 16, 2026 

Brent Norman Gunter, 65, of Dallas, TX, passed away on January 16, 2026, surrounded by his family.

Brent was born to John Gunter, Jr., and Patsy Rymer Gunter in Lubbock, TX. He was raised on his family’s farm and ranch near Muleshoe, TX, and was the youngest of three boys. He exhibited ability as a leader at Muleshoe High School as Class President, Student Council President, and FFA Treasurer, as well as, playing varsity football.

In the tradition of his father and older brothers, he attended Texas A&M University, Class of ’82, further pursuing leadership roles in the Corps of Cadets as Deputy Corps Commander and as Platoon Commander in the Ross Volunteer Company. He was also an active member of many other Corps organizations, University clubs, and honor societies and is listed in the Class of ’82 Who’s Who. Brent was honored to be a recipient of the first Buck Weirus Spirit Awards in 1982. Brent and Karen met at Texas A&M when their roommates, who were dating, introduced them in 1981.

After graduating with his bachelor's and master’s degrees, he completed his MBA at the University of Texas in Austin. He worked as a commercial banker for Republic Bank, NCNB, and NationsBank helping clients build their businesses and investments. Wanting to be more entrepreneurial in his career, Brent learned the car business from Jimmy Payton at Payton-Wright Ford. He soon became the owner of Ennis Ford, in Ennis, TX, where he spent the rest of his professional career. Ennis Ford was a family supported business with each member filling in where needed. Brent was active in the Ennis community through participation in The Boys and Girls Club of Ennis, The Lions Club, Meals on Wheels, and his role on the Board of Ennis State Bank. One of his favorite projects was a partnership with Ennis High School to promote perfect attendance by giving away a car at graduation. Brent took an active interest in helping young people achieve in high school, college, and in their careers by being a mentor and advocate.

Following his retirement in 2018, Brent brought home his most esteemed four-legged friend, Baloo, a very good Vizsla. He enjoyed spending his retirement working on any project that required large or new equipment, hunting (etc.) with his friend, Chuck Cain, in Uvalde, TX, and attending Aggie football games with Karen. Baloo happily joined him in all.

Brent was known for his independent spirit, steadfast Christian character, sense of humor, and fierce loyalty to his family and friends. Those who knew him could depend on his reliability, sound advice, and presence in times of need, oftentimes more importantly, adding a joke or two. He lived out his strong desire and commitment to help and encourage others. His consistent prayer was to help us “to be nice people.”

Remaining to cherish his memory are his wife of 41 years, Karen Mulos Gunter, their children, Travis Gunter and wife Michaela, and Elise Gunter, his mother Pat Gunter, his brothers John Gunter and wife Nan of Dallas, and their children, Nathan and wife Jin, Meredith, and Ryan and wife Sarah, Gary Gunter and wife Elizabeth of Austin, and their children, Johanna and Grayson Gunter.

A Memorial Service will take place on February 6, 2026, at 1:00 PM in the sanctuary at Lovers Lane United Methodist Church. A reception will follow in Watson Hall.