John W. Hunt, 77, known throughout his life by friends and family as Bill, passed away on Wednesday, August 18, 2021 at Catherine Kasper Home, Donaldson.
Born on June 25, 1944 in Camden New Jersey, he was the son of Ruth (Hunt) Thomas and stepson of Franklin Thomas.
He attended Triton Regional High in Runnemede, New Jersey and Camden County Vocational School in Pennsauken, New Jersey, for Culinary Arts. John attended Baylor University and received an Associates in Science and graduated from the Academy of Health Sciences, US Army Physicians’ Assistant Course in 1974. He then received his Bachelor of Science from University of the State of New York in 1982.
On December 18, 1976 he would marry the love of his life Mary Ventline on the Army base at Ft. Dix, New Jersey.
He was a proud American and served his country in the U.S. Army from 1963 until 1985. He was a decorated soldier serving two combat tours in Vietnam, as well as two tours in Germany. Receiving the Bronze Star Medal, Air Medal, Legion of Merit, Combat Medical Badge and the Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry to name a few of his achievements. He began his career as a medic, and then was selected to attend the first Army class of Physician Assistants. Finally, he was offered the opportunity to work with horses by becoming the Platoon Leader of the 3rd Infantry Regiment, the Old Guard’s Caisson Platoon. During his time with the Casson Platoon, he served as the Officer in Charge, Horse Control, for the 50th American Presidential Inaugural for Ronald Reagan. He was responsible for the logistics of bringing over 700 horses, from across the nation, to Washington D.C. to participate in that parade.
After retiring from the Army, he would go to work for Culver Military Academy as the Director of Horsemanship. Culver’s Horsemanship Program has been teaching students the qualities of wisdom, courage, moderation, and justice by placing them in the saddle, a progressive curriculum designed to develop character and leadership while learning to control and manage the horse. He would do this before retiring in 1992.
After leaving Culver, he was one of the founding members of Northern Indiana Riding for the Handicapped. He donated countless hours designing curriculums, training horses and volunteers, and teaching riding lessons.
He is survived by his wife Mary of Donaldson, son Tim Hunt of Centerville, VA; sister Sharon Dorr of Pinellas Park, FL; and brother Jeffrey (Connie) Thomas of Dover, FL.
John is preceded in death by his parents Franklin and Ruth, and his son Daniel Keith Hunt.
A graveside service will take place at Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors at a later date.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Catherine Kasper Home, 9601 Union Rd. Plymouth, IN 46563.
Sister Nkechi lwuoha says
Mary know my prayers and thought are with you as you mourn your husband Bill. May God’s faithful love continue to abide with you and the family as your hope lies in Christ’s resurrection.
Timothy M Hunt says
Hi Sister Nkechi,
Thank you for the prayers. As you said, Gods love and Jesus’s sacrifice promises my father is in a better place. He is no longer suffering in that bed. In my time of grief, I know God has me in his hands and I feel comforted.
Tim Hunt (Bill and Mary’s son)
Sr. Michele says
Mary, I have learned so much about Bill from this obituary and from you during these past years. My prayer for you continues, as you mourn Bill’s passing. Know that you are held in our prayer and love during this time.
Timothy M Hunt says
Sister Michele,
Thank you for the prayers! Also, please thank all the sisters for what they have done for Mary. I honestly believe God brought her to you for this chapter of her life and it has made it much easier for her to deal with. My father was our families strength but in the past 2 years Mary and I have built a bond that will take us into the future. God Bless you as well.
Tim Hunt
Dick & Peggy Murray says
Mary,
You are in our thoughts and prayers. Bill was truly a wonderful man. We will cherish our personally signed copy of his book along with many great memories. Ride high Bill.
Timothy M Hunt says
Dick and Peggy,
Thank you for being great neighbors to my parents. Also thank you for the prayers. May peace be with you.
Tim Hunt
Sr. Mary Jane Ranek, PHJC says
Dearest Mary and family,
My deepest condolences on Bill’s passing and entrance into eternal life with our living and ever loving God. Bill’s love of life shown through his acts of service for his country, his love of nature and all created things exemplified through his care for horses, his students, and those with special needs exemplifies how God’s compassion and mercy lives through us. Thank you for sharing Bill with us. My continued prayers for you, and may God’s compassion comfort you always.
Sr. Mary Jane PHJC
Timothy M Hunt says
Hi Sister Mary Jane,
Thank you for the comments and prayers. My Dad didn’t always show the compassion you speak of but anybody who knew him, knew the size of his heart. He taught me respect and discipline but also love and peace. He will be missed but after 2 years in that bed, we are so glad he is no longer suffering!
Thanks,
Tim Hunt
Sister Bonnie Boilini PHJC says
Mary and family,
Know of my prayers during this time of Bill’s passing. Thanks for sharing this story. From what I read he lived life to the fullest.
Timothy M Hunt says
Hi Sister Bonnie,
Thank you for the prayers. You are correct he lived life to the fullest. The last 2 years were hard for us but I am sure even harder for him. Now he is with God and I believe back to the soul I remember!
Thanks,
Tim Hunt
Paula Wills says
Mary and family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time. May God give you strength for the journey ahead. He is the God of comfort a d peace. The staff at HealthVisions Midwest are praying for you. God bless you.
Timothy M Hunt says
Hi Paula,
Thank you and the staff for your thoughts and prayers. Sometimes it is hard to remember God is comfort and peace especially in times like these. But I am happy to share that God has Mary and I comfortably in his hands and we know his peace.
Thanks,
Tim Hunt
Paula Wills says
You are very welcome. We continue to pray for you and Mary.
Sr Cathy Schwemer says
Mary, I offer to you and your family all my love and prayers. May Bill now rest in the arms of God and may you and your family know God’s comfort.
Timothy M Hunt says
Hi Sister Cathy,
Thank you for the love and prayers. I am sure God has his arms wrapped around my father really tight. As for Mary and I, we feel God’s comfort for sure!
Thanks,
Tim Hunt
Sr. Joellen says
Dear Mary, My deepest sympathy to you at Bill’s going home to God. His life is an inspiration. May God be with you and bring you peace. Sr. Joellen
Timothy M Hunt says
Hi Sister Joellen,
Thank you for the note! God is always with us and has brought me much peace in these very hard times.
Tim
Sr Kathleen Quinn says
Dear Mary and family. My sincere sympathy and prayers. I am most appreciative of his great work and teaching about his care and love ❤️ of horses. Beautiful and loving. Sincerely Sr Kathleen Quinn
Timothy M Hunt says
Hi Sister Kathleen,
Thank you for the thoughts. My father could be a very hard man but I always knew deep down he loved me very much. I thank God for giving him horses but also a huge heart. We all knew it was there.
Tim
Sr. Shirley Bell, PHJC says
Dear Mary and family,
Please know that you have been in my/our hearts and prayers during these past difficult days. Bill’s story is certainly one of dedication and commitment. What an incredible life he and you shared. May Bill be received into God’s eternal love and may your hearts be consoled by Christ peace and consolation. On behalf of all the PHJCs, our sincerest condolences!
Timothy M Hunt says
Hi Sister Shirley,
Thank you, and everybody else at PHJC, for everything you have given Mary! It is a blessing that she found you when she did. You also gave to me and my father like we were your own. I know we are all brothers and sisters in the eyes of the lord and PHJC has proven that to us without a shadow of a doubt.
Thank you TY,
Tim Hunt
Sr. Shirley Bell, PHJC says
Thank you, Tim. Mary is a gift to us. We continue to keep you all in our prayers! Sr. Shirley
Sr. Deborah Davis, PHJC says
Dear Mary and family,
Please accept my deepest sympathy at this time of loss. There is never a good time for anyone to pass away. Somehow, even after a prolonged illness, it still comes as a surprise. The loss is real. The pain is real. Numbness is a natural response. We are with you as you mourn this man’s precious life. May God hold you close and give you comfort.
Timothy M Hunt says
Hi Sister Deborah,
I know Mary and I spoke on a regular basis about peace for my father. I prayed regularly that God give him peace, what ever that meant! Today I sit here sad that I have lost my father, knowing he has passed over to a much better place, and also know God has me in his hands and will be my strength. As the numbness wears off, I feel Gods presence a little more each day.
Thanks,
Tim
Ron and Deb Cline says
Dear Mary,
Ron and I were saddened to hear of Bill’s passing. We did share some fond memories of long ago and the times we were able to visit with you both. Once in D.C. where Bill took us behind the scenes at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and to the horse stables. We also visited you both at your home in Indiana. I had dropped a wine glass and cut my finger and when I asked Bill if I should go to the hospital and get stitches, he laughed it off and said, “No. Mary, get me a butterfly bandage”. LOL.
He really was a great man and he will be missed by many. May you feel comfort during this difficult time.
Love and hugs to you, Mary.
Deb
Timothy M Hunt says
Hi Deb,
Thank you for the comment! I would have to agree that my father was a great man. It makes me happy that you got to spend time with him. I haven’t seen Ronnie or Gary since I was very young but am so thankful for that side of the family. They were very involved in my Dads growing up to be the man he became.
Thanks,
Tim Hunt
Bridget says
Mary and Tim I am so blessed to have had the pleasure of taking care of this great man , will never forget him and will miss him, so very sorry for your loss, you are both in my thoughts and prayers
Timothy M Hunt says
Bridget Bridget Bridget,
Thank you for taking such good care of my father but also of Mary. You played a very big part of his care in the last year of his life and for that I am truly grateful. Always remember that things are not always what they seem! Many years before my father found himself in the bed on your ward, he told us he didn’t want to ever live like that. I feel more could have been done in the final weeks, but to what end. His quality of life was totally gone and nothing was going to change that. It hurts to lose him and hurts more to not do all we can to save him but for whos benefit? He is now at peace and with God and that gives me more joy that anything the doctors could have done in that last month! Thank you again. I will always remember you and appreciate all you did for this family.
Tim
Jessye says
My thoughts are with you during this incredibly difficult time, and please know you have an entire family at Donaldson who are here to support you thru it.
Geoff Williams says
Mary,
You and your family are in my prayers during this time. I am greatly moved by what I have just learned about your husband. What an amazing life and journey worthy of great celebration!
Annette Fox says
Mary,Tim and family, I am so sorry for your loss. I’m proud to have been Bills’ caregiver and to say he trusted me. I am in awe of all of his lifetime accomplishments listed in his obituary. I thank him for his service to our country. Prayers that God be with you and watch over you.
Jan Wagoner says
Mary and family, I am so sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. I was fortunate to be a volunteer during the days of horse assisted therapy at your place. Thank you for sharing your property and horses with us. Many lives were changed by the horses and guidance of Bill, a very seasoned horseman. While visiting my mom at CKH a couple years ago, I had a chance to sit outside and talk horses with Bill on a summer day. You are in my thoughts.
Suzanne M Gibson says
WE THE MEMBERS OF THE VFW AUXLIARY
PLYMOUTH INDIANA
ARE DEEPLY SADDEN TO HEAR OF JOHN’S PASSING
WE WANT TO HONOR HIM AND THANK HIM FOR HIS SERVICE TO THIS
COUNTRY GOD SPEED JOHN
OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYS ARE WITH HIS FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS
GOD BE WITH ALL AT THIS TIME OF GREAT SORROW
SUZANNE GIBSON
VFW AUXILIARY 1162
CHAPLAIN -SECRETARY
Lorraine David, a nurse. says
This is a lovely tribute to a wonderful man. I took care of him at Catherine Kasper. May his family find peace at this time of sorrow. Bless Bill to heaven.
Mishelle Miller says
My son’s Dalton Bergeron and Triston McCallum learned a great deal from Bill, I’m saddened to see he has passed we send our thoughts and prayers to Mary and family. Mishelle Miller formerly Bergeron
Dalton A Bergeron says
Words cannot begin to fully express how I feel. Mr. Hunt and Mary changed my entire life. The opportunity to work for them was filled with more lessons than I can count. He taught me… well really what didnt he teach me. He taught me responsibility, work ethic, about horses, land scaping, and really so much more. My thoughts are with the family, I cannot begin to imagine how he touched other’s lives, considering just how amazing he was to me. Thank you, for all you taught, shared with, and gave me, you’re the Grandfather figure I needed in my life at that time, and I’m sorry I never got to tell you.
– Your farm hand Dalton
Joanne Smith says
Dear Mary and Tim,
I am so sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. My prayers and condolences are with you both. I did not know of Bill’s illness and I am sorry for your struggle.
I would like to express my sincere gratitude for all the help and support that you, Mary, and Bill showed me.
Joanne Smith
COL (Ret) Fred & Laura Kienle says
Mary and Tim, we have nothing but the fondest of memories of our time serving together in the 3rd U.S. Infantry, The Old Guard. Bill left an extraordinary and positive impact on the Caisson Platoon that remains today. His knowledge, professionalism, leadership, wit, and friendship were without equal. He will be missed, indeed. Please keep us informed of arrangements.