William E. Hunter, Jr.
William E. Hunter, Jr., age 78 of Bourbon, MO passed away Thursday, January 13, 2022 at his home with his family by his side.
William Ernest Hunter, Jr. was born on August 17, 1943 to the late William E. and Aileen (Windgrove) Hunter, Sr. in Long Branch, West Virginia. William grew up and attended grade school in Long Branch, WV until his family relocated to Grants, New Mexico, where he graduated high school in the class of 1961.
Following his graduation William served his country in the United States Army from 1965 to 1967. He was then united in marriage to Marie “Pete” Shelton on September 2, 1967 and they were blessed with five children: Kim, Lisa, Laurie, Billy and Kevin.
William and Pete started out in Bourbon, then moved to Grants, New Mexico for work, before returning to Bourbon in 1979 to make it their final home. William was employed by the Pea Ridge Mines until its closure, then later became a pipefitter and was employed by Lee Mechanical.
William enjoyed traveling and fishing on the Missouri River. He loved his children very dearly and made sure to always support them in sports and especially loved his grandkids. He will be dearly missed and lovingly remembered.
William is survived by his wife of 54 years, Pete Hunter, of Bourbon, MO; five children: Kim Richardson (Larry Kopecky) of Leslie, MO, Lisa Houston and husband Tim of Owensville, MO, Laurie Coddington of Sterling, VA, Billy Hunter and wife Rachel of Sullivan, MO and Kevin Hunter of Bourbon, MO; twelve grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren & two more on the way; eight siblings: Lanny Hunter and wife Connie of Sullivan, MO, Tom Hunter and wife Eileen of Bourbon, MO, Helen Knuckles and husband Don of Bourbon, MO, Jim Hunter of Bourbon, MO, Randy Hunter of Cuba, MO, Pat Hunter of Bourbon, MO, Gary Hunter and wife Donna of Bourbon, MO and Larry Hunter and wife Fran of Bourbon, MO; sister-in-law, Judy Degonia of Sullivan, MO; nieces, nephews other relatives and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; four sisters-in-law: Cheryl Hunter, Tammy Hunter, Virginia (Shelton) Hopwood & Beverly (Shelton) Miller; six brothers-in-law: Noel Shelton, Laurel Shelton, Dale Shelton, Bob Shelton, Jim Shelton & Jerry Shelton; son-in-law, Mark Merger; niece, Amanda Hunter; and great-nephew, Levi Hunter.
Arrangements for cremation have taken place. No services have been planned at this time.
Friends may send online condolences to the Hunter family at www.eatonfuneralhome.com.
All arrangements are under the care of the Eaton Funeral Home and Cremation Center of Sullivan.