John Warren Hunter, age 94 of Marion, died Sunday, August 19, 2018 at Primrose of Marion.
John, the son of the late Fred and Helen Hunter, was born in Collinswood, NJ, on May 5, 1924.
After moving to several cities for his father’s engineering career, John’s family finally made their home in Allentown, PA, where he was raised and graduated from Allentown High School in the class of 1942.
After the completion of his freshman year at Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA, he was activated into the US Navy’s College V-12 Program at Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge, MA for further studies toward a Mechanical Engineering degree. The Navy subsequently transferred John to Columbia University’s Officer Training in New York. Upon completion of this program he was commissioned as an Ensign USNR. He was then assigned to the Pacific Fleet aboard the USS Cecil APA96.
He was honorably discharged from active service in June 1946. John then returned to MIT and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering in June of 1947.
John remained in the Navy Reserve and was recalled to active service in March of 1951 for the Korean Conflict. This time he was assigned to a destroyer fleet, aboard the USS Knapp DD653 and later on the USS Harlan R. Dickson DD708. Once again he was released from active duty in 1953. He remained in the Reserve until 1962, attaining the rank of Lieutenant Commander.
Because of his diverse civilian and naval engineering experience, he was able to “wear many different hats” professionally. John was general manager of Universal Hydraulics in Willoughby, OH for 17 years. Eventually he retired from Sycon Corporation, Marion in 1991.
John met his wife, Maxine, through an introduction by his cousin, Barbara Southerland when both women were teaching at Alma College, in Alma, MI. Although their first meeting was brief, their paths crossed again ten years later. The rest is history; they were married January 17, 1976 in Mentor, OH. Together they have shared many unique life experiences including joy of travel on many sea cruises, love of music, and joy of each other’s warm companionship.
John and Maxine moved to Marion in 1985 for his job at Sycon Corporation. He has regularly attended Epworth United Methodist Church with Maxine for over 20 years.
John, a 50 year Mason, was honored to be “raised” a Master Mason at Berkley, MI, Lodge #536 in 1958. After moving to Marion he transferred his membership to Marion Lodge #70. He also belonged to Marion Royal and Select Council #22, Royal Arch #62, Aladdin Shrine and Marion Shrine Club. Other memberships include Marion Senior Center, Marion Historical Society, and Friends of Marion City Parks.
John was also a member of the Columbus Council of the United States Navy League. As a member, he enjoyed numerous trips on various modern nuclear or gas turbine propelled US Navy Ships such as a submarine, guided missile cruiser, and a destroyer.
A self-proclaimed “master of none”, John loved to try all sports and avocations at least once; such as golf, snow and water skiing, sailing, recreational aviation piloting, and tennis. He was a member of the Golden Buckeyes at Wickertree Tennis at Columbus for many years.
An avid reader, John enjoyed a variety of books and was a “history buff”. His vast curiosity led him to every isle of the library and book store further motivating him to continue taking courses at OSUM well into his 80’s.
“Always a gentleman”, John had a warm and caring spirit for his family and many friends. John will be missed by his cousin: Barbara Southward of Marion; brother-in-law Jay (Mavis) Hayden of Highland Village, TX; nieces and nephews: Sam (Marian) McCollough of Wheeling, WV, Mary Ann (Lloyd) Boyd of Adena, OH, Tom (Cindy) Sutherland of Powell, OH, David (Nina) Sutherland of Dillonvale, OH, Karen (Mike) French of Hampton Cove, AL; and many great nieces, great nephews, great great nieces and great great nephews.
He is preceded in death by his beloved wife Maxine Hunter; sisters: Marian Sutherland and Annabelle McCoullough; sister-in-law Mavis Rimling; cousin: Grant (Sheila) Southward and a beloved kitty, Pumpkin.
Memorial services celebrating John’s life will be held on Saturday, September 15, 2018 at Epworth United Methodist Church, 249 E. Center St., Marion at 11AM; Friends may call from 10AM until time of service; Inurnment will follow in Marion Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Epworth United Methodist Church or The Palace Theatre.
The Snyder Funeral Homes of Marion are honored to be serving the Hunter family; condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting www.SnyderFuneralHomes.com
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