Thelma Gunkel

Thelma Gunkel, 89, Eldorado, passed away Thursday, November 24, 2022 at Magnolia Nursing Home in Altus. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, November 28, 2022, at the Eldorado First Baptist Church with Kade Sanford officiating. Burial will follow services at the Eldorado Cemetery under the direction of Kincannon Funeral Home.

Thelma was born November 19, 1933 in Eldorado, Oklahoma to Jack and Flaval (Hankins) Sherwood. She attended Eldorado School and was a proud member of the Class of 1951. Thelma and Ewing “Junior” Gunkel, Jr. were married August 11, 1951 and to this union three daughters were born. She was a loving wife and mother to her daughters, tending to their every need. Thelma also worked many hours helping Junior with their farming and cattle operation. She later worked 45 years at the bank in Eldorado treating each of her customers like family.
Thelma was a member of the Eldorado First Baptist Church, served as the treasurer of the Eldorado Historical Society, was an excellent seamstress, and cherished most the special times spent with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Thelma was preceded in death by her husband, Ewing Gunkel Jr.; her son in law, Steve Coward; her parents, Jack and Flaval Sherwood; her two brothers, Farrell and Dale Sherwood; and sister- in -law Faye Dickinson. She is survived by three daughters, Rhonna Piercy and husband, Floyd, Sandy Coward, and Lori Freeman and husband, Johnny; five grandchildren, Tracy Fernau and husband, Derek, Micah Coward and wife, Jerusha, Julie Carter and husband, Jerimy, Megan Sanford and husband, Kade, and Morgan Simons and husband, Chris, 10 beloved great grandchildren, Robbie Kellick, Tristan Fernau, Jackson Carter, Jarrett Carter, Jace Farr, Kendall Simons, Emma Simons, Rhett Sanford, Lyla Sanford, and Lincoln Sanford; brother and sister in laws, Jerry and Jo Karon Gunkel, Kenneth and Elaine Gunkel, and Lynda Sherwood; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Eldorado Historical Society. Online tributes may be made at kincannonfuneralhome.com