Harold Joseph Hunter

Born in Salix, Iowa to Joseph Christopher Hunter and Marty Lucy Hunter (nee Edwards), who preceded him in death, Harold Joseph grew up in Iowa, the fourth of ten children; Twila Twiford Peterson Rustin (decd), Kenneth Twiford (decd), Keith Twiford (decd), Dillion Hunter (decd), Frank Hunter (decd), Arladine Hunter DeLoss (decd), Reva Jean Hunter Olsen (decd), Lillian Hunter Carritt and Lois Hunter Nagel.

He grew up on a farm in Moorhead, Iowa and enlisted in the US Marine Corps in 1945. He served in World War II and Korea, as well as numerous tours of duty in various locations around the world, making many life-long friendships along the way. He met and married Doris (nee Trent) of Dodge City, Kansas in 1951. They had three sons; Thomas J. (decd), Rocky Joe and Kevin John. They divorced in 1964.

Harold, who was well known to his friends as “Joe”, married Diana Beatrice (nee Colletti) in 1965 and retired, highly decorated, after 22 years of military service from Camp Pendleton, California in 1968 with the rank of Major. He and Diana made their family home in Carlsbad, California where Diana’s parents, Sgt. Major Richard T. and Gloria E. Frizzell also lived. Harold and Diana had two children; Bradley Raymond and Heather Rae. After retiring from the military, Joe attended Western State School of Law in San Diego, California, graduating in 1974 and passing the California State Bar Exam in 1975. He then set up his family and business law practice in Carlsbad. After losing Diana to cancer in 1996, Joe retired from law a few years later.

In 1998, he married Daphne “Lisse” White whom he met through their common participation at St. Michael’s by the Sea Episcopal Church in Carlsbad. They lived at El Camino Country Club in Oceanside until he became incapacitated due to Alzheimer’s and required care and supervision at a memory care retirement home in 2007.

Joe enjoyed woodworking and built nesting tables, chess sets, desks and even a full wine bar in his later years. He will be fondly remembered for his generous heart, often volunteering and giving of his time to others. His no-nonsense approach to life and his feisty spirit, combined with his charismatic nature and great sense of humor, endeared him to all who came into contact with him.

Joe is survived by his wife; Daphne “Lisse” White Hunter of Oceanside, CA, sons; Rock Hunter (Robin) of Costa Mesa, CA, Kevin Hunter of Los Angeles, CA, Bradley Hunter (Vanessa) of Carlsbad, CA, and daughter Heather Hunter of Phoenix, AZ, along with his grandchildren; Brendon Hunter, Kristen Dearborn, Bennett Widyolar, Dwight Hunter, Delaney Widyolar, Tiffany Hunter, Ashley Jeltz Hunter, Kamren Hunter LaRussa, Shyane Lira and Nikolas Lira, as well as his sisters; Lilian Carritt and Lois Nagel, along with many nieces, nephews and life-long friends.

A memorial service will be held at 10:00am on Saturday, January 27, 2018 at St. Michael’s by the Sea Episcopal Church, 2775 Carlsbad Blvd., Carlsbad, California 92008.

Interment will be on at 1:00pm on Saturday, January 27, 2018 at All Saints Cemetery, 102 Peyri Drive, Oceanside, California.