Jack Hunter

Jack Hunter passed away on March 18, 2026, with the love of his life, his wife Lana, and his daughter, Julie, at his side. Jack was a husband, a father, a grandfather, and a man who loved his family with everything he had. Jack was also a good friend.

Will Rogers said, "A stranger is just a friend I haven't met yet." Jack lived that truth. He greeted people—friends and strangers alike—with the same three words: "Hello, my friend." And meant it. At the time of his passing, a professional associate remarked that even though he had only known Jack in a business context, he considered Jack a friend, because Jack had a gift for making people feel seen and valued, no matter how their paths had crossed.

Like many of his generation, Jack began working as a young man, and eventually, he built a business of his own. He took pride in it; steered it through difficult economic times, and treated his employees less like a workforce and more like an extended family.

A proud member of the Central High School Class of 1959, Jack enjoyed attending monthly luncheons with his classmates throughout the years. He also volunteered at the El Pueblo Boys & Girls Ranch and served on its board, devoting his time to young people who needed guidance and a steady hand.

As a young boy, Jack was stricken with polio and left with paralyzed legs. As he watched his friends playing outside through his window, he made himself a promise: he would never again sit still while life happened without him; he would be free. He kept that promise. Jack was always outside, always moving, always chasing the next adventure.

Among Jack's greatest passions was his lifelong love of horses. A member of the Southern Colorado Cutting Horse Association and Southern Colorado Horsemen's Association, he competed at the local, state, and national levels. Jack won the American Quarter Horse Association World Championship in his seventies—proof that it's never too late to fulfill your biggest dreams. As a result of the win, Jack was surprised and delighted to grace the November 2012 cover of American Quarter Horse Journal magazine with his horse Wright On TC. Jack loved teaching others to ride and care for horses, and even in his final days, he spoke eagerly about getting back in the saddle. His favorite adventure was packing up the RV, loading the horses, and hitting the open road with Lana.

Jack is survived by his beloved wife, Lana; his children, Cheryl (and her husband), Julie (and her husband and child), and Kyle (and his wife and children); as well as his sister, Leah Rae; and his brother, Bob and his partner.

His family takes comfort in knowing that Jack has laid down his tired body at last. He is now truly free—just the way he always wanted to be.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Bonaventure Memory Care, Compassus Hospice, and Dr. Lawrence Anaya for their compassionate care.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:

Beulah Fire Protection & Ambulance District

P.O. Box 826, Beulah, CO, 81023

Celebration of Life will be held Tuesday, March 31 at 1:00 p.m at:

The Olde Towne Carriage House

102 S Victoria Ave

Pueblo, CO 81003