Donald Edward Hunt

Donald “Don” Hunt was born in Philadelphia, PA on Nov 4, 1939 to Russell Baker Hunt and Helen May Hunt. He attended Lower Merion High school, where he excelled as an electrician, which served him well throughout his life.

He entered the Air Force in 1958, went to basic training in San Antonio, and was stationed in Denver for a short time. During that time, he met Kathleen Smart, whom he married on July 30, 1960. While in the military, he was stationed in Torejon AFB in Spain, Perrin AFB in Texas, Lowry AFB in Colorado, and Bentwaters AFB in England, with a child born at each stop and two in Spain! They went on to Holloman AFB, NM, Alconbury AFB, England, finally returning to Lowry AFB in Colorado, where he retired in 1979.

Shortly after retiring from the Air Force, he went to work for Hughes Aircraft, which later became Raytheon, and retired again in 2000.

Don was an avid golfer, as was his wife, Kathy. With friends in every port, they enjoyed traversing the country visiting and golfing along the way. They built their dream home near Fraser, Colorado and lived there for a number of years and hiked and snowshoed and spent quality time at Fontenot‘s restaurant, their favorite hotspot, where they celebrated their 50th Anniversary with their many friends and family. They moved back to Aurora in 2013 and continued close contact with friends. Don particularly enjoyed visits and walks through the neighborhood with a longtime friend, and his monthly trip to Hooter’s with the Nerd Herd was another great joy in his life. He had many close friends and cherished every one of them.

Don was an accomplished musician in his own right. He taught himself to play guitar when his children were young and entertained his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren for decades. While living in the mountains, he joined the Grand County Chorale, performing in many concerts and private events with the Chorale and as a member of their barbershop quartet. He was a talented singer and guitarist and enjoyed entertaining.

The family always stayed close, most living in Denver and one in Dallas TX, which was a great excuse for another road trip, a party or two, and more golf.

After a long illness, Don passed away quietly on winter solstice day, December 21, 2023. He was survived by his wife Kathleen and four daughters, Brenda (Mitch) Munn, Sharon (Steve) Smith, Mary (Ward) Mains, and Susan (Bradley) Hettich, their nine grandchildren, Ashton, Eric, Wesley, Amanda, Hannah, Sara, Kourtney, Ryan, and Kristen, and three great-grandchildren, Elias, Sterling, and Lively, whom he adored. He was also survived by his brother Ralph (Blanca) Hunt.

Don was preceded in death by his son Michael Edward Hunt, his parents Russell and Helen Hunt, and his siblings Russell Hunt II, Larry Hunt, and Marjorie Jersey.

Technical Sergeant Donald E. Hunt will be buried with honors in a private ceremony at Ft Logan National Cemetery.

There will be an open house to celebrate Don’s life and friendships from 2:00 till 6:00 p.m., on January 10, 2024 at the Great Plains Clubhouse, 19676 E Atlantic Drive, Aurora CO 80013.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Tunnel to Towers Foundation, Wounded Warrior Project, or a charity of your choice.