William “Bill” Rex Gunter

William Rex (Bill) Gunter passed away on December 18, 2019, at the age of 79.  He was born in Cuervo, NM on January 26, 1940, to William Manson Gunter and Louise Lucero Gunter.  Bill was a resident of the Ewing community for many years where he raised his family. He attended school in Ewing and later in Estancia.  He later spent his part of his working years and then his retirement in Roswell, NM. Bill was preceded in death by his parents and wife Belva Lee Hodgson Gunter, who passed in 2004.  Bill is survived by his loving partner and companion Sandra Connelly; sister-in-law Sallie Hodgson; his daughter Tammy Peretti, and husband Greg; son Tom Gunter and wife Cathy; daughter Tanna Sanders and husband John; Sandra’s daughters Patti Meech and husband Danny, Anna Larson and partner Keith Desautels, Chanda Monk and husband James, as well as eleven grandchildren, fourteen great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren.   Bill was a man of many talents and diverse interests.  He spent his early years as a bronc and bull rider and he raced stock cars in the 1960s as part of the Roadrunner racing team from Estancia.  He was a farmer and rancher, avid hunter and fisherman and even a part-time gold miner at one time.  One of his passions was raising Mammoth donkeys and mules.     He worked as a heavy equipment operator for the State of New Mexico Highway Department, then as a foreman for the Estancia Patrol.  He then helped to organize the Highway Department Training Academy where he also worked as an instructor until his retirement.      He spent his retirement boating and fishing, restoring antique vehicles and making silver jewelry for family and friends.  He will be greatly missed by family and friends.    A graveside service and burial will be held Saturday, December 21, 2019 at 2:30 p.m. at the Estancia Cemetery in Estancia New Mexico.