Mr. Francis Merle Hunt, age 89, passed away on August 20, 2013 in Nacogdoches, Texas. He was born on April 19, 1924 to parents Lewis Elbert Hunt and Nelle Vore Pittman Hunt in Havana, Kansas.
Merle is preceded in death by his parents; loving wife of 62 yrs, Merle Audrey Morrison Hunt; brother, Vore Hunt; sisters, Marguerite McIlwain , Alice Melander.
He is survived by his son, Gregory Vore Hunt and wife BrandiWynne of Phoenix, Arizona; daughters, Jan H. Griffin and husband Jimmy of Nacogdoches,Texas, Marsha Crain of Nacogdoches; grandsons, Steven Crain and wife Tamara of Arlington, Tx., Brian Mixon of Palestine, Tx, John Vore Hunt of Park City, Utah; granddaughters, Diane Fullinwider and husband Randy of Katy, Tx, Melissa Mixon Lewis of San Antonio, Tx, Audrey Leanne Hunt Warner and husband Matt of Greeley, Colorado; six great grandchildren; sister, Elizabeth Devlin; numerous nieces and nephews.
After completing high school, Francis married Merle and went in to the service. He earned Technical Sergeant during WWll for the United States Army. He traveled to Leyte, Phillipines, Luzon and Japan. He earned a purple heart while in the service. Upon his return he used his GI Bill to attend college and graduated with his Agricultural Bachelor Degree from Kansas State University. He became the youngest superintendent in Carnation Ice Cream and Milk Company in Wichita Falls, Texas. He also worked for large companies such as Braums and Cabells Dairy.
Merle was a devoted member of the Methodist church and learned a deep respect for God that he demonstrated in raising his family. He was a quiet man who had excellent moral convictions. He took great pride in caring for his wife for 8 years while she suffered from Alzheimers, until her passing. He was a blessing to his family and those who were around him.
At 3:00pm on Friday, September 6, 2013 a Celebration of Life will take place at Cason Monk-Metcalf Sunset Chapel, eulogy offered by Jimmy Griffin and assisted by Butch Haltom. Private inurnment will take place at a later date at Havana Cemetery in Havana, Kansas.
The family would like to express “special appreciation” to Rock Haven Nursing Home, Dr. LaBarbera and staff, Nacogdoches Treatment Center and Encompass Home Health for the love and compassion they expressed to Merle and his family during these difficult days.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be offered to Nacogdoches Treatment Center, Alzheimer Program, 119 Hughes St. Nacogdoches, Texas 75961 or The Salvation Army, 118 E. Hospital St., Nacogdoches, Texas 76965 Online condolences may be offered at www.casonmonk-metcalf.com. Funeral arrangements are under the direction and care of Cason Monk-Metcalf Funeral Directors.
