Don J. Gunther
Don Joseph Gunther, a distinguished leader in the international engineering and construction industry and a pillar of the Naples community, passed away on April 19, 2026, at age 87.
A 1960 civil engineering graduate of Missouri School of Mines (now Missouri University of Science and Technology), Don served in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers during the Berlin Crisis. He began his career with Bechtel Group in 1961 as a field engineer, where he took on increasingly complex assignments all over the United States and the world, eventually becoming the President, Director, and Vice Chairman of Bechtel Group.
Don was married to the love of his life, Mosey, for 60 years until Mosey’s passing in 2021. Together they had four children: Patrick (Lisa) Gunther, Susan (Michael) Nefzger, Curtis (Melinda) Gunther, and Kate (John) Elsey; and twelve grandchildren: Matthew Gunther, David Nefzger, John Gunther, Bobby Nefzger, Christina Gunther, Allison (Michael Nachbar) Elsey, Kelly (Matthew) Richardson, Megan (Carter) Howie, Will (Rachely) Gunther, Lauren Gunther, Zach (Kaylee) Elsey, and Jake Gunther. Don was a devoted husband, an incredibly supportive father, as well as a fun-loving “Papa” to his grandkids and great-grandkids.
He deeply loved his country, his family, and most importantly, his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. His faith became the compass of his life. He was known for his incredible work ethic, his generosity, and most notably—kindness to others. Don was a highly dynamic person, a natural leader, and his energy and enthusiasm for life were contagious. As busy as he was, he always made time for anyone who needed him. He had an uncanny ability to connect with people and leave a positive impact on everyone who crossed his path.
An avid sports fan, he could entertain you for hours taking you through his world-class sports memorabilia collection. He loved competition and was always up for a round of golf, tennis match, ping pong game, fishing trip, hunting adventure, or even a pick-up game of basketball.
He received numerous professional honors, including: an honorary doctorate from Missouri University of Science and Technology; served on the MUST Board of Trustees; Board of Directors of Williams Energy Group; Board of Directors of Pernix, Inc.; served on the Executive Board for the Engineering and Construction Contracting Division of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers; served on the Board of Governors of the World Economic Forum, the World Energy Council, the Board of Directors of the United States Energy Association, the U.S. – Russia Business Council, and the British-North American Committee.
Don’s commitment to serving his community included: Chairman and Trustee Emeritus of the Immokalee Foundation; Board Member Emeritus of the Naples Children’s Foundation; Board Member Emeritus of the Gulfshore Playhouse; Chairman of the Naples Children & Education Foundation; Chairman of the 2008 Naples Winter Wine Festival; President of the Bay Colony Golf Club, President of the Remington of Bay Colony Board, President of Bay Colony Community Association, and Member of the Estates of Bay Colony Board.
Don worked hard while encouraging others to do the same—and he always made it a lot of fun. He listened well, laughed a lot, and loved deeply. He will be dearly missed by everyone who knew him.
A memorial service will be held at Bower Chapel, 142 Moorings Park Drive in Naples on Friday, May 1st, 2026, at 10:00 am, followed by a celebration of life, from 11:30 am - 1:30 pm at Trio Restaurant. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to The Immokalee Foundation, 2375 Tamiami Trail N., Suite 308, Naples, FL 34103, or by using this link: https://immokaleefoundation.org/gunther/