Donald Hunt, of Niles
Published 10:19 am Thursday, July 21, 2016
Aug. 25, 1933 — July 18, 2016
Donald Kenneth Hunt, 82, of Niles, passed away on Monday, July 18, 2016, at his home, with his family by his side.
He was born on Aug. 25, 1933, in Chicago, Illinois, to the late Lyle and Violet (O’Day) Hunt.
He moved to Indian Lake in Dowagiac, Michigan, in 1937, where he graduated from Dowagiac High School in 1952.
On Aug. 30, 1952, he married Mary Lucille Connors at a ceremony in Benton Harbor, Michigan. They were married nearly 64 years.
Don joined the U.S. Air Force and proudly served his country for more than 21 years, where he earned the rank of Chief Master Sergeant. Don bravely served in Japan, Korea, and Vietnam and numerous assignments where his family accompanied him. He was a member of American Legion Post 26, Korean Veterans, and V.F.W Post 2284. He proudly played Taps for his fellow fallen comrades as part of the Honor Guard.
After retiring from the military, he worked for Bendix and retired in 1988. He also worked as a driver for Hanson, Envirotech, and DT Peers. Don enjoyed going to the casino, playing shuffle board and cards, bowling, and watching football. He especially enjoyed spending time with his family and friends.
Donald is preceded in death by his son, Douglas Hunt, parents; Lyle and Violet Hunt; and brother, Roy Hunt.
He is survived by his loving wife just shy of 64 years; Mary Lou, sons; Kenneth (Becky) Hunt, of Niles, Brian (Sheila) Hunt, of Edwardsburg and Alan (Mickie) Hunt, of Niles, 10 grandchildren, Kenneth (Christine) Hunt, Jacob (Jennifer) Hunt, Angela Hernandez, Jason (Kari) Kelly, Brandi (Joey) Peralta, Sarah (Mike) Dye, Erica (Evan) Kessick, Megan Hunt (Gary Klann), Mandie (Chad) Mitchell, and Melanie (James) Pearman, sisters; Patricia (Kenneth) Johnson, of New Lenox, Illinois and Linda Wozniak, of Champaign, Illinois, and 17 great grandchildren and numerous family and friends.
The family will receive relatives and friends from 5 to 8 p.m. Monday, July 25, 2016 at the Brown Funeral Home in Niles with the recitation of The Rosary at 7:30 p.m.
The Mass of Christian Burial for Donald K. Hunt will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Tuesday, July 26, 2016 at Saint Mark Catholic Church, Niles by The Rev. Thomas King, C.S.C., assisted by Brother Dennis Meyers, C.S.C. Committal Rites at Mission Hills will follow with full military honors provided by The U.S. Air Force and American Legion Post #51.
Memorial contributions may be made in Don’s memory to The Brian Parker Foundation, Grace Hospice; 2725 Airview Blvd., #101, Portage, Michigan 49002 or St. Mark Church.
Condolences, memories and photos may be shared with his family at www.BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home, Niles.