Michael Glen Gunter was born in Pampa, Texas on December 27, 1962, the second child of Roy and Barbara (Gunter) Richison. As a youth, Michael was smart and always curious. He attended Tulsa First Church of the Nazarene and later came to give his life to the Lord. He graduated from East Central High School in Tulsa, then on to Bethany Nazarene College and Oklahoma State University. He kept up his friendships with the Bethany kids and it was there that he met Jeannie. They dated and later married in the spring of 1987 and soon settled into life in Oklahoma City.

Michael began his career at American Airlines installing travel network systems worldwide. He later switched careers and became a network administrator for the Oklahoma State Health Department. He made great friends and fun memories in his livelihood.

Michael and Jeannie brought their first born, Emily, into the world in September of 1995. The birth of Alex completed their family in November of 1998. The Gunters attended Bethany First Church of the Nazarene for many years as a family. Michael was a supportive father of the interests and hobbies his children were a part of. He was known for his knowledge and interest in computers and never turned down the opportunity to help a neighbor or friend get acclimated with technology. Michael enjoyed many other hobbies and interests such as NASCAR, bike riding at Lake Hefner, Lionel trains, collecting Hot Wheels, watching The Amazing Race and Survivor with his family, eating at WingStop, and always having a cold Mountain Dew in hand.

Michael lived out his love and faith in God by his words and actions. He openly modeled prayer and scripture reading in his home. He was a man of integrity and always made sure his family was provided for. Michael was a loving neighbor to all in his special ways.

Michael became diagnosed with kidney cancer in the summer of 2008. He endured a journey of chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation treatment. The cancer later spread to his brain, causing a hemorrhage in the summer of 2011. This left Michael impaired in many ways. His life looked differently but he always held a positive spirit about him, never complaining of his challenges and focusing on moving forward. He was able to watch his children grow into adulthood. The cancer returned to his brain for a second time in 2024. Michael won his battle with cancer on October 17, 2025, when he stepped over into eternity in his home surrounded by his family.

Michael was preceded in death by his father, Roy Gunter. He is survived by his wife, Jeannie; his mother, Barbara and husband Curtis Richison (Michael's bonus dad); daughter, Emily and husband Quinnton Wells; son, Alex and wife Makayla Gunter; and other beloved friends and family members.

Viewing at Mercer-Adams will be Friday, 10am-8pm with family present from 6-8pm. Funeral services will be Saturday, October 25, 11:00 am, at Bethany First Church of the Nazarene with interment following in Resurrection Memorial Cemetery. The service will be livestreamed and may be viewed on this obituary page.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to the Bethany First Church of the Nazarene Eswatini Partnership.