Fortified with the sacraments of the Holy Mother Church, Robert George Hunt passed away peacefully at the deGreeff Hospice House on June 29 at the age of 86.
Born on February 24, 1939, in St. Louis, MO, to Myron and Lola (Moses) Hunt, Bob was the beloved husband and best friend of Nancy (Gabel) Hunt for 64 years. He was the devoted father of Lynn M. Ewy (Jeff) and Gregory R. Hunt (Lisa) of Greenville, SC; cherished grandfather of Bryan G. Hunt (fiancé Bridget Walsh) of Williamsburg, NY, Kevin G. Hunt of Washington, DC, and Kirk J. Ewy. Bob was the dear brother of the late Donald P. Hunt (the late Teresa) and the late Gene M. Hunt (Ruth) of Richardson, TX; and loving brother‑in‑law of Kenneth E. Gabel (Mary Jo). He was a treasured uncle, great‑uncle, cousin, and friend to many.
Bob and Nancy were married at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church on May 20, 1961. He attended Mount Pleasant Grade School and Grover Cleveland High School, and proudly served in the United States Marine Corps.
Bob enjoyed a successful 26 year career with Illinois Tool Works/DeVilbiss Spray Equipment, earning numerous awards for his excellence in sales and building lasting relationships in Missouri, Ohio, New York, and Illinois. Though his work frequently took him on the road, he always prioritized time with family—especially cherishing many vacations to Florida. He never met a stranger and had a gift for connecting with people wherever he went.
A founding and lifetime member of the Marine Corps League – Jeffco Detachment 707, and a proud member of the Affton Elks Lodge #2635, Bob was a man of service, humor, and heart. He was intentional about giving his time and talents—coaching youth football and baseball, serving actively in his Church, and engaging in many community efforts. In retirement, his favorite pastimes included fishing, birdwatching, solving Sudoku puzzles, playing cards, cheering on his favorite sports teams, and enjoying lunches with his high school buddies. He loved watching his grandsons not only excel in sports, but grow into remarkable young men—each thriving in their own unique path in life.
Bob faced his share of health challenges with courage and grace, including a recent cancer diagnosis. Through it all, he remained a teaser, a jokester, and a gentle soul. He was deeply loved and will be profoundly missed.
Service: Visitation will be held at Kutis South County Chapel, 5255 Lemay Ferry Road, St. Louis, MO 63129, on Friday, August 1, at 10:00 a.m., followed by a Memorial Mass at 11:00 a.m. at Assumption Catholic Church, 4725 Mattis Road, St. Louis, MO 63128. Interment at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, your kindness through a donation is deeply appreciated to the Marine Corps Toys for Tots Foundation https://www.toysfortots.org or a charity of your choice.
I am deeply saddened by Bob’s passing. He was like a second father to me as I started my career with DeVilbiss and he and Nancy took my wife and I under their wings as we started our careers and lives together in Naperville, IL. He always had a funny saying for just about any occasion and challenge. Any time a big challenge was in front of him he would always say “That’s no hill for a climber” He always remained positive, and he was a great friend and role model. I know that everyone that knew him will miss him greatly. Greg Orr