Gospel musician and songwriter Terry Gunn Passes Away

O’Fallon, MO (June 5, 2019) — On Tuesday, June 4, Terry Gunn, age 68, crossed peacefully from the earthly to the eternal at his home in O’Fallon, Missouri, surrounded by a host of family and friends.

Born in Bloomfield, Missouri, Terry became interested in playing piano at age 4, following a polio diagnosis. He would eventually become a prolific songwriter and recording artists who touched the lives of countless individuals.

While attending Gateway College of Evangelism in the late 1960s, Terry began to receive invitations to accompany various Gospel groups in the Saint Louis area, beginning a journey of more than 39 years in full-time music ministry.
In 1970, he married Julia Chapman, whom he’d met at age 12 at youth camp. The couple traveled for two years with Lanny and Marietta Wolfe, then moved to Phoenix, Arizona, where they served as full-time music ministers. In 1977, Terry became the music director at Christian Life Center in Stockton, California, and he and Julia welcomed three children during their 13 years there. In 1990, the family left Stockton and ministered throughout the U.S. and Canada for the next 17 years.

The Gunns recorded a number of albums over the decades that featured many songs written by Terry. His songs were also recorded by many Gospel groups, including The Steeles, The Lesters, The Arnolds, The Singing Ambassadors, The Inspirations, and Greater Vision. Terry wrote and recorded a series of Praise and Worship chorus books as well, and he recorded a series of piano instrumentals.

Terry loved his family, his music, and his 1948 Chevy pickup. Known for his quick wit, jokes, and silly songs, Terry hung a sign in his motor home that read, “Laugh at yourself; everyone else does.” But above all else, Terry loved God and dedicated his entire life in service to the Kingdom.

Terry is survived by his wife, Julia, three children, five grandchildren, his father, four brothers, two sisters, and many more family members and friends.

Visitation will be at The Sanctuary, 965 Anglum Road, Hazelwood, Missouri, on Friday, June 7, 2019, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM and Saturday, June 8, 2019, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM. The funeral service will be held at The Sanctuary on Saturday, June 8, 2019, at 11:00 AM. Interment will be at Memorial Park Cemetery in Jennings, Missouri, immediately following the service. The family extends a special thanks to Archway Memorial Chapel for their care and support during this time.