Roger Gunning

Roger Gene Gunning was born in Amador, California, on September 2,1948 at home. Roger worked on a milk farm in his youth in the Sacramento area, before entering the military. He finished his education at California State University, Sacramento. Roger served three tours in Vietnam and was the recipient of two Purple Hearts, and served three branches of service: Marines, Army, National Guard. Roger was highly awarded with three Bronze Stars, Rifle Expert and many more. Roger was a Marine first and always Semper Fi . Roger also served as a Sergeant in the Army and National Guard. He never talked much about his Military experiences in Vietnam, but he served our country with courage and honor. Service to God, his country, and family is how he lived his life. Roger never knew a stranger, and was quick to share God’s love with everyone.He has 8 children, Richard, Corina (Joe), David (Jennifer), Donna (Marty),Diane (Glenn), Paula (John), Tracey, and Tiffany. Roger has 24 Grandchildren: Richard Jr., Mathew, Daniel, Devin, Elyssa, Stephanie, Amanda, Ashely, Jason, Isabella, Amber, Zachary, Elisha, Ryan, Tyler, Amy, Deon, Alex, Anthony, Victoria, Erik, CJ, Jesse, and Simona. He was also blessed with many Great Grandchildren (28). Roger was married a short time to Ruth and Linda. He was also married to Carolyn Louise Berger, this union was after Roger returned from Vietnam.She introduced him to Jesus Christ and he never looked back. They were married for 37 years, and lived in the Sacramento area where Roger's last employment was before retiring at Sierra Mental Health as maintenance director. Roger was able to experience true joy that can only come from God in his marriage to Gloria. Gloria and Roger met in July 2015 and remained partners until married on February 5, 2022. Roger was happily married to Gloria; they experienced a lifetime of fun and travel in their short time together but it's quality not quantity that matters. Recently, Roger was able to visit Oahu, Hawaii. Where his mother and father lived during the Pearl Harbor attack. His parents, Richard and Adah Gunning, along with two uncles were under attack that unforgettable day. It was his longing wish to visit the place of his family and where they were married. Roger was very kind to his children whether biological or chosen, or just strays. Roger chose to be part of his family, visiting family was a large part of the Gunning household. He would sit and tell stories and make everyone feel loved and comfortable. Unless it was about Politics; that was sure to open the floor for debate. Politics and hours of Political news was a constant in his life. The love of his country was ignited during election year.It was not uncommon to hear stories of family achievements or adventures.The huge fish he just lost, or a dirt bike adventure on the annual Mom’s ride. Roger upon meeting Gloria was an avid Dodgers fan. Roger was a recipient of two Purple Hearts and many honors. As you read this, an American flag and Marine Flag are on a flag pole in his front yard. When Roger went to Heaven's Gates, the Soldiers met him with a salute.If you want to tell a secret, do not tell Roger. Not that he was not trustworthy, but that he wanted to tell everyone everything about him and his amazing family. God's word and studying Revelations and the Bible was a large part of his world. It was important that he taught his family valuable concepts of life, eternity to his family, and the children of the community. Roger had a large amount of faith and lived as a true child of the Lord. The amount of love in this man's heart did not have limits and he did not know a stranger. If you had the honor to meet him, you were a friend. Again, no one was a stranger, only someone he has not had the honor to meet. Roger, we love you with all our heart and a little bit more. I win.