Richard “Dick” Webb Hunter passed away at his home on February 26, 2024 at the age of 95 years and 21 days, surrounded by his loving family.
Dick was born on February 5, 1929 in Dalgren, Illinois the oldest son of the late Samuel Mark and Pansy Lorraine (Webb) Hunter.
Dick and Verna were united in marriage on February 9, 1990. They shared a remarkable 34 years together, traveling, laughing, and sharing. No children were born of this union but they shared a blended family; Terry Lynne Sapp of Sikeston, Missouri; Patricia Baughman of Colorado Springs, Colorado; Lt. Col. (retd., USAF) Richard Mark Hunter of Little Rock, Arkansas; Regina Duley of Metropolis, Illinois; Richard Elliott of Karnak, Illinois; Beloved Shih Tzu – TJ; and son Michael Albert Hunter of Nashville, Tennessee preceded his father in death.
Dick led a remarkable life – he, his father, and brother owned and operated Hunter Boys Salvage for many years; he became an auctioneer and also taught auctioneering at John A. Logan College; he became a successful Real Estate Broker, retiring only recently; Dick had a zest for life and his community – becoming Carbondale’s man of the year – serving on the John A. Logan College Board; The Carbondale Chamber of Commerce – serving as their auctioneer for the annual yard sale and auction; the Carbondale Industrial Commission; the Carbondale Lions Club; the Carbondale Police and Fire Board – serving as their auctioneer as well; Dick also coached little league teams.
He attended Carbondale Schools including the progressive Elementary School on the campus of Southern Illinois University. He was a Saluki through and through graduating from Southern Illinois University with a Bachelor of Science degree.
He was especially proud of serving his country from 1950-1954 with the U. S. Navy Based in Norfolk, Virginia.
One of Dick’s proudest moments was escorting Senator John F. Kennedy on a Campaign through Southern Illinois. He and his father, Sam Hunter had the honor of providing vehicles and chauffeuring Senator Kennedy. Dick felt privileged that he bought the future president a Coca-cola.
Dick developed a love of flying while in high school working at the airport to pay for flying lessons. He was 19 years old when he obtained his private pilot’s license – he went on to obtain commercial, multi-engine and instrument ratings. He had the privilege of being a pilot for Southern Illinois University and then President Delyte Morris. Dick and Verna enjoyed flying the “friendly skies” for many years in their beloved Bonanza A-36 airplane. When flying was no longer an option they took to the roads in their motorhome with their beloved TJ.
Dick was a man of multi-interest – he was an avid reader; he loved to scuba dive; at the age of 50 he learned to play the organ – he like to say he played a number of musical instruments “loudly and badly” – just enough to annoy the neighbors. He never met a stranger – he loved meeting and greeting – his sense of humor was remarkable and Dick Hunter stories are prevalent.
In addition to his wife – who he referred to as his private nurse and his blended family, Dick is survived by his grandchildren, Master Sgt. David Baughman and Sgt. Gavin Hunter both proudly serving now with the US Army, Katie Hubbard his granddaughter who he referred to as Katie Did; Elizabeth and Daniel Hunter and Camden Sapp – a special niece Shelli Peterman, Ryan and Tim Hunter – nephews; and several great grands with one more on the way.
He was preceded in death by his parents; Sam and Pan Hunter; his brother Sammy, sister -in -law Phyllis and much-loved grandparents, Sid and Gertie Webb of Webb’s Hill in Franklin County, Grandma Mollie, Uncle Albert, Aunt Ruby, a host of cousins, special friends, cronies and fishing buddies, and multitude of much loved critters and animals. His reunion with them was loud and noisy and joyous – he was loved and respected by so many – he will be greatly missed.
Per Dick’s request arrangements and cremation rites were entrusted to Walker Funeral Home and Crematorium in Carbondale, Illinois. A Celebration of his life, deeds and misdeeds will be held at the Hunter Building – 300 East Main Street Carbondale, Illinois with time and date to be announced by the family.
Donations may be made in his honor to Hospice of Southern Illinois 204 Halfway Road Marion, Illinois 62959.
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