Our community mourns the loss, late last week, of a true humanitarian, Louis Gunning.

His public life as director of the Natchez Community Stewpot epitomized the Biblical scripture found in Matthew 22:37-39.

“Jesus replied: Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.”

Gunning’s family attests to his Christian faith, but Gunning’s work at the Stewpot attests to his love for his fellow neighbors.

After a long career at International Paper’s Natchez mill, Gunning worked for nearly one-quarter of a century as director of the Stewpot, which provides hot meals to hundreds of people each week, many of them less fortunate or shut-ins.

We know of no better way to show love for one another than helping to provide nourishment to those in need.

Like many of the volunteers and donors to the Stewpot, Gunning did not seek accolades for his work, choosing instead to humbly serve his fellow man.

People of Mr. Gunning’s great character are far too rare these days. He will be greatly missed.