Marshal Gunning was shot and killed while attempting to disperse a crowd.

On October 11, 1898, Marshal Gunning was called to disperse a crowd gathered in front of a barber shop on Main Street. One man refused to disperse and Marshal Gunning tried to push him from the sidewalk into the street and the man resisted. Marshal Gunning attempted to use his club and the man shot him above the right eye. Marshal Gunning returned fire and the man shot again striking him in the heart.

Four men were taken into custody. One was charged with murder.

Marshal Gunning was appointed Marshal on October 6th, only five days earlier. Interred: Oak Hill Cemetery, Kirkwood, Missouri.