VERONA -- John Harold Gunckel, aged 63y 04m 07d, of 105 West Main Street, died Friday, 15 Apr 1977, at Miami Valley Hospital, Dayton at 4:30 p.m. after a lengthy illness since October 1974.

Mr. Gunckel was a retired owner and operator of Gunckel's Service and Mini-Market, Verona, but his wife still owns the business. He operated the store since 1970.

He was born near Rossburg on 08 Dec 1913, son of the late John Allen (1867-1942) and Mary Scelanda Shappy (1873-1941). He had resided in Preble, Darke and Montgomery counties.

He was a veteran of World War II, serving in the European Theatre and the Pacific Theatre in the Philippines. Mr. Gunckel attended the Assembly of God Church in Celina. He was a member of VFW Post 975, West Sonora, and the Fort Greenville Campers Chapter 1776.

Surviving are his wife, Rose Quay Gunckel, who he married 20 Nov 1963; two sons, Gary (Goldie) Gunckel of Eidson Road, Greenville, and Larry (Sandra) Gunckel of Route 1, Arcanum; a daughter, Mrs. Tim (Kay) Means of Route 3, Arcanum; seven grandchildren; two step-daughters, Mrs. Rebecca Jo Lyday of Englewood, and Mrs. Edward (Jeanine) Churchill, Jr. of Middletown; five sisters, Mrs. Paul (Delsia) Smith (1904-1992) of Dayton, Mrs. Vesta Cunningham (1906-1981) of Rossburg, Mrs. Geraldine Baumgardner (1909-2007) and Mrs. Leotina Byers (1912-2006), both of Greenville, and Mrs. James (Georgina) McMahon (1914-2008) of Yermo, California; and a brother, Earl Gunckel (1915-1986) of Greenville. Three adult sisters [Irene Youtsey (1893-1972), Nora Thornhill (1895-1955), and Edith Tuttle (1899-1975)] and two adult brothers [Jennings Gunckle (1897-1975) and Cloyd Gunckle (1901-1965)] preceded him in death, as did three infant sisters [Mary Latina Gunckel in 1892, Verna Ethel Gunckel in 1908, and Isola Forest Gunckel 1910-191]) and three infant brothers [Alva Phillip Gunckel in 1894, Dollio Doyle Gunckel in 1903, and Leo Kenneth Gunckel in 1911].

Funeral services will be held at the Miller Funeral Home, Greenville, at 10 a.m. Tuesday, 19 Apr 1977, with Reverend Edwin Homer officiating. Burial will follow in the Abbottsville Cemetery.

Friends may call at the funeral home from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Monday, and on Tuesday until the time of service.