Guinn Eugene Unger, 97, of Biglerville, PA died of natural causes on Sunday, September 17, 2023, at the Army Residence Community in San Antonio, Texas.
Born November 19, 1925, in Gerrardstown, West Virginia, he was the son of Edith Sybil (Grubbs) Unger, of Winchester, Virginia and Earnest Eugene Unger.
He was the husband of Phyllis Kathryn (Reaver) Unger, of Gettysburg to whom he was married for over 50 years until her death in 2001.
Raised in Biglerville, Pennsylvania, Guinn Unger served in the 507th Parachute Regiment in World War II and participated in Operation Varsity, being among the first American troops to set foot on German soil.
After the war, he returned home to graduate from Gettysburg College, marry the love of his life, and start a career as an officer in the US Army.
He commanded an Infantry Battalion and an Armor Battalion in Cold War West Germany and was awarded two silver stars commanding an Air Cavalry Battalion at the height of the Viet Nam War in 1969. He rose to the rank of Colonel.
Col. Unger (ret) moved to Louisville, Kentucky where he worked with the Medical School at the University of Louisville for 20 years. After retirement, they moved to Ft. Myers, Florida where they enjoyed golf and family. After the death of his wife, Col. Unger moved to the Army Residence Community to be closer to his 3 children, 7 grandchildren, and 3 great-grandchildren.
Always an advocate for truth, Guinn was an avid saver who found great joy in being generous with his community and especially with his family.
Guinn is survived by his three sons, Guinn Unger Jr and his wife Shauna of Bayfield, Colorado, Donald Unger and his wife Rhonda of Irving, Texas, and Stephen Unger and his wife Terri of Liberty Hills, Texas, his 7 grandchildren, Stephen Unger Jr, Kelli (Unger) Liebe, Robert Unger, Matthew Unger, Guinn Paul Unger, Boyce Unger, and Kathryn Unger, his three great-grandchildren, Lucas Liebe, Noah Unger and Autumn Unger, and his brother Richard L. Unger and his wife Ruth Jean Unger of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.
Funeral Services will be held Thursday, October 5, 2023 at 11 a.m. from St. James Lutheran Church with Rev. Andrew Geib officiating.
Interment will be in Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.
There will be a viewing at the church on Thursday, October 5th from 10 a.m. until the time of the service.
Family suggests contributions in memory of Guinn Eugene Unger be made to the charity of your choice.
Arrangements are entrusted to Monahan Funeral Home.
Online obituary and condolences available at the funeral home’s website.
