Richard Eugene "Dick" Gunlock, 88, of Denton, Texas went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Monday, August 15, 2011. Wife Della Gunlock preceded him in death eight months earlier. Dick was born July 15, 1923 in Chillicothe, Ohio to Walter Roy and Ethel Virginia Bower Gunlock. He graduated from Centralia High School (Zane Trace) in 1941 and attended Ohio University before enlisting in the U.S. Army Air Corp. Following graduation from the flying cadet program he married Ardella W. Gunlock, nee James on September 23, 1944. Early in 1945 Dick piloted air transport planes over "The Hump" of the Himalayan Mountains, hauling supplies and personnel between India and China. Following military service in 1946 he became resident manager and a flight instructor at Sky Park in Chillicothe. In 1951 he joined American Airlines as a commercial airline pilot. From 1951 to 1960 Dick was based in Cleveland, OH, in Chicago, IL from 1960 to 1971 and in 1971 he transferred to the Dallas-Ft. Worth base and became a resident of Denton, TX. Retired in 1983 after 32 years, he was especially proud that he finished his career with American as a Captain, flying the wide-bodied jets. He subsequently remained in retirement for five years before rejoining the company as a part-time flight simulator instructor at the American Airlines Flight Academy, a position he held into his mid-70s. Dick was a member of The Grey Eagles. His proudest accomplishment was the realization of his childhood dream of becoming a commercial aviator. He often said that he was being paid for doing what he loved doing best – flying airplanes. Quick to quote his life Bible verse of Proverbs 3:5,6 (Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths.), Dick did not hesitate to acknowledge God's sovereign grace and guidance in his life. He was a long-time member of Denton Bible Church where he was active in the Denton County Jail ministry as well as faithful service on the men's prayer team. He and wife Della often opened their home to international students and could be counted on to host various church community activities. Well into his 70s Dick traveled to Russia and Ukraine with mission teams to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ and he encouraged others to do likewise. Also, in his later years Dick served as a mentor to younger men from his church and offered encouragement to them. In addition, he supported and enjoyed his association with The Gideons International and its commitment to distributing copies of the Bible around the world. Throughout his life Dick had a reputation for extending hospitality, warmth and genuine friendship to those he knew and met. He is survived by four children: James R. Gunlock and wife Elizabeth of Kirkland, WA, Jennifer L. Lowry and husband Montecue of Houston, TX, Jon F. Gunlock of Scottsdale, AZ, and Paul E. Gunlock and wife Kaye of Bonham, TX; 14 grandchildren and five great grandchildren. Other survivors include three younger brothers: Donald E. Gunlock of Winston-Salem, NC, William L. Gunlock of Dayton, Ohio and David D. Gunlock of Chillicothe, Ohio as well as many faithful friends who knew and loved him. A memorial, home-going service will be held at 10 AM on Saturday, August 20 at Denton Bible Church, with Senior Life Pastor Al Camp officiating. A private burial will follow at Roselawn Cemetery. Arrangements are being handled by Mulkey-Mason, Jack Schmitz and Son Funeral Home, 705 N. Locust Denton, TX. The family will be present to receive visitors at the Funeral Home on Friday, August 19 from 5:30 PM until 8 PM. In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorial gifts be made in his name to: The Gideons International, P. O. Box 140800, Nashville, TN 37214-0800.