Duane Hunter

Personal Reflections on Duane’s Life

Duane was born in 1934, the youngest son of William and Marcella Hunter. He had two older brothers, Bernard and Robert both deceased and has an older sister, Audrey Conner, still living in the Detroit area. Duane met Bettie Beckner in the third grade. They began dating in their teens when they were both in the youth group at Olivet Presbyterian Church in Detroit.

They were married on June 18, 1955 at the church. Pam was born in 1957 and Becky in 1960. The family lived in Southgate, MI for many years where they attended Christ the King Lutheran Church and later St. Paul Lutheran Church. Pam married Craig Butler in 1977 and soon after moved to Colorado Springs. Becky married Ron Landry in 1984. They also lived in the Detroit area until 2001 when they moved to Colorado Springs. Duane and Bettie moved to the Springs in 2002 to be near their family. It gave Duane great jot to be able to take his family on camping trips and vacations- from California to Florida and places between – in both tents and travel trailers. Duane worked in the Skilled Trades as a Machinist/Machine Repairman for General Motors Corp. and Detroit Diesel Corp. in Detroit. He retired in 1993. Previous to his retirement, Duane and Bettie purchased a fifth- wheel trailer for the purpose of traveling and enjoying the adventures of the open road. They traveled many times to Colorado to see Pam and Craig and their two girls, Kim (now Foster) and Adrien (now Shea), often taking them on sight-seeing trips. Duane and Bettie also enjoyed taking Ron and Becky’s son, Justin on camping trips as well. Grandpa especially loved taking his “buddy” fishing.

It was Duane’s fondest pleasure to travel and to be able to take his family on extended vacations. His love of camping, hunting and fishing was learned at an early age from his Dad and Mom. After his retirement, Duane and Bettie spent winters away from Michigan enjoying the warmth of Florida, Arizona and Southern California. Being a Machine Repairman, Duane loved the challenge of taking things apart and putting them together again. In recent years, as his Alzheimer’s disease progressed, it became quite a problem for him to put things back the way they were. It was a frustration to himself as well as the rest of the family. When Pam and Becky were young, they’d always tell their friends to, “Bring your broken toys down to my Dad. He can fix anything!” Great- Granddaughters, Robyn and Brooke are young yet, but will remember how Grandpa loved to hold them and fuss over them when they were together. In recent years, Duane enjoyed sitting on the living room couch, reading his Bible and marking passages or watching the old cowboy movies on TV. He was mainly quiet about his faith in Jesus, but would always speak up whenever he thought he should. He was a man of quiet faith – but often asked Pastor Baker some pertinent questions in Bible class. These are our bittersweet memories of a Husband, Father, Grandfather, Great-Grandfather and friend who is much loved and will be greatly missed.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: Alzheimer’s Association or Laurel Manor Care Center. (Volunteers of America). Alzheimer Association; http://www.alz.org/ and Laurel Manor/Volunteer's of America : https://secure3.convio.net/voa/site/Donation2?df id=2800&2800.donation=form1&JservSessionldro00r=p1ixfgts34.app306b

Duane’s Relatives and Loved Ones

Bettie (Beckner) Hunter, wife living in Colorado

Pamela Butler, daughter (wife of Craig Butler of Ellicott, Colorado)

Rebecca Landry, daughter (wife of Ronald Landry of CS, Colorado)

Bernard Hunter and wife, Betty (both of Michigan – both deceased)

Robert Hunter (deceased) and wife Patricia (both of Michigan)

Audrey Conner (wife of Alex, deceased) still living in Garden City, MI

Kimberly Foster, (Granddaughter) wife of David, both of CS, Colorado

Adrien Shea, (Granddaughter) wife of Kelly Shea, both of Arvada, Colorado

Justin Landry (Grandson) of CS, Colorado

Roby and Brooke Foster (Great Granddaughters) of CS, Colorado

Many Cousins, Nieces and Nephews in Michigan

Many friends in Michigan and Colorado