Obituaries

John Edwin Hunt Sr. was born on April 3,1944, to Climmie E. Hunt Jr. and Cleo Templeton in Alamogordo, New Mexico. Throughout his life, John served his country and his community, and in doing so, touched the lives of many great people.

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, January 13, 2024 at 9:30 AM at Luella First Baptist Church. A visitation will start at 9:00 AM until service time. Interment will be held at CedarLawn Memorial Park at 11:00 AM, with United States Army Military Honors, and Masonic Rights- Travis Lodge #117. Services are under the direction of Dannel Funeral Home.

In his childhood, he joined the Boy Scouts, achieving the rank of Eagle Scout in 1962, with Bronze and Gold Palm leaves in 1963. John worked at Philmont Scout Camp and held various leadership positions during his time with the organization.

He served in the U.S. Army for 22 years, from 1963 to 1985. During his career, John served two tours in Vietnam, 1965 to 1966 with the 173 Airborne and 1967 to 1968 with the 5th Special Forces Group. His career accomplishments included graduating from the U.S. Army’s Sergeant Majors Academy, First Sergeant Course, Airborne School, Rigger School, John F. Kennedy Special Welfare Center, U.S. Army Sniper School, and the Jungle of Operations Training Center to name only a few. His awards and decorations include, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon with “3” device, National Defense Service Ribbon, Vietnam Service Medal with 1 silver and 1 bronze Service Star, Air Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with “60” device, Vietnamese Parachutist Badge, Combat Infantryman Badge, Master Parachutist Badge, Rigger Badge, Army Commendation Medal with 4 Oak Leaf Clusters, Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Palm, Vietnam Civil Actions Medal, First Class, Army Good Conduct Medal, with 2 Silver Loops, Humanitarian Service Medal, Expert Marksmanship Badge, Army Achievement Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster, NCO Professional Development Ribbon with numeral “5”, Excellence in Completion Badge, Rifle, Staff Vietnam Medal, Second Class, and Special Forces Tab.

John spent his life serving in the Masons, becoming a Master Mason in the Travis Lodge 117, and an Endowment member in the Grand Lodge of Texas. He held the position of Treasurer for Travis Lodge 117. After his retirement from the Army, John began a 23-year career in Texas Law Enforcement. His service included working as a Field Investigator for the Texas Commission on law Enforcement, and as the Chief of Police for Tom Bean. His career also included working for the Sheriff’s Offices of Grayson, Collin, Cooke, and Fannin Counties in various positions. He also worked for Austin College PD, Grayson County College PD, Savoy PD, Ladonia PD, and as an Investigator for the Fannin County District Attorney’s Office, as well as Lead Court Security Officer in Sherman Federal Court, and as a reserve for Constable, Pct 3, Fannin County. John also served in the Texas State Guard from 2003 to 2017, achieving the rank of Colonel. His awards and certifications are far too numerous to list.

John Edwin Hunt Sr. lived a life of service to his family, country, and community. He lived a good life, he lived a hard life, he suffered, he sacrificed, he shared, he gave of himself and risked his life for others, he did what others failed to do, and went where others feared to go, he fought, he faced death. He lived. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Frances Donnelle Hunt, his daughters, Amanda Gale and Sarah Emily and her husband Michael, his son John Edwin Jr., Grandson Ryan and his wife Haley; and Grandson Tyler, who will all miss him terribly.

In Lieu of flowers the family request you donate to your choice of a Veteran or Mental Health Organization.