Roger Hunt

Roger Hunt was born on August 15, 1937, to Keith and Olivette Hunt in Harrisonville, Missouri. He grew up surrounded by love and a little bit of chaos, thanks to his three spirited sisters - Peggy Duncan, Dixie Dutro, and Rosemary Ament - all of whom preceded him in death.

Roger met the love of his life, Judy, in college. After a seven-year courtship (yes, seven!), they married in 1966. Their relationship was built on deep affection, shared values, and a lot of patience - especially in the kitchen. They enjoyed 58 beautiful years of marriage. In their younger days, they traveled and cruised together, and as they grew older, they found joy in working side by side outdoors.

They rarely argued - unless you count the recurring “dish relocation” disputes in the kitchen. Eventually, photos were posted to mark where each item belonged. Problem solved.

Roger served seven years in the Air Force Reserves before starting a successful career in commercial real estate, working with Kroh Brothers and later with Coventry Realty. He was a steady, dependable man who led by example, both professionally and personally. Roger retired at 81.

As a husband, he was Judy’s protector and partner. She lovingly describes him as “my strength,” and admits, “I am weak without him.” She was the delicate flower under his watchful care. She will need your prayers in the days ahead.

Roger was deeply loyal to his friends - many of whom he’d known since childhood. He kept a close-knit group of buddies with whom he shared monthly breakfasts for nearly 60 years. To him, these men were more like brothers.

As a father, Roger taught us the values that shaped who we are today - do the right thing, take care of what you have, respect others, help those less fortunate, and work hard. He led with quiet strength, and his lessons were lived more than spoken.

Kelly remembers shopping at Chocolate Soup, dancing in the living room, and spring ski trips to Beaver Creek. As a little girl she was found in the photography darkroom learning to develop film with her Dad which ultimately led her to a career in architectural photography. The daily check-in calls from Dad are already missed. Greg treasures memories of fire station visits, winter sledding, feeding ducks at the park, and learning to drive under Dad’s calm (and slightly nervous) instruction.

For the last 26 years, Papa Roger poured his time and heart into his four grandchildren - Cassie, Connor, Braydon, and Ashlyn. He never missed a Grandparents’ Day, he frequently attended a school concert or play, took in an occasional sporting event and often gathered for lunch or dinner with them. He wrote them notes, taught them how to swing a hammer at his basement workbench, and reminded them always to serve others. While Papa taught the boys how to build, Gram taught the girls how to read and draw - projects that now decorate the basement like a museum of love.

Roger was the cornerstone of the Hunt family. He believed in staying close, in showing up, and in making memories together. He was the man behind the camera and captured every moment he could in film. He made sure we gathered every Christmas, because he believed that family is one of God’s greatest gifts - and he made sure we never took that for granted. That tradition will continue, because he made sure it mattered.

Though his time here is done, Roger’s spirit remains with us. If he touched your life - and we know he did - we invite you to take one of his neckties. Wear it, hang it in your closet, or simply keep it as a reminder of the quiet, steady way he made an impact.

After the graveside service, please join us at Meat Mitch (95th & Mission) for lunch, where we’ll celebrate his life, share stories, and honor the incredible man we were lucky enough to call husband, Dad, Papa, and friend.