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William Clifford Hunter, 78, passed away Jan. 26, 2013, at his home in Sterling. He wish was to be cremated, with inurnment at the First Christian Church cemetery in Humphries, Mo., where most of his family rests. Memorial Services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 2, at First Christian Church, with the Rev. Jared Sonnenberg officiating.
"Doc" was born Feb. 22, 1934, in Macks Creek, Mo., to Charles B. Hunter and Bessie Walker Hunter. He attended grade school at Tunas, Mo., and graduated from high school in Humphries, Mo., in 1953. He joined the U.S. Army in 1954, and was stationed in Gelenhausen, West Germany, until his discharge in 1957.
In 1958, Bill enrolled in the University of Missouri at Columbia, Mo. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in 1962, and his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree in June of 1964.
He married Ruth Kirk Lane June 5, 1963, in Columbia.
After graduation in 1964, Bill and Ruth moved to Sterling, where he was employed by Dr. Bernard N. Frank, working with associates Dr. Lon Timpe and Dr. Jerry Montague. In August 1969, Dr. Hunter opened his own large and small animal practice at 432 W. Main St. in Sterling, which he operated until retiring in December 2012. The Hunters also owned and operated a cattle and wheat farm west of Sterling for years, until moving to their present home in Sterling in 2010.
From 1964 to 2013, Doc was a familiar face when 4-H livestock was unloaded for the fair, checking in animal entries. He was a quiet man, patient and compassionate, who loved his profession, whether he was treating livestock or pets. Always on call, he was willing to treat an animal during office hours, or when he was needed in the middle of the night, without complaint.
He was a former member of the NJC Young Farmers, Brotherhood of Elks, a member of the First Christian Church of Sterling, Northeast Colorado Veterinarian's Association, the Colorado Veterinary Medical Association, the American Veterinary Medical Association, and a Lifetime Alumnus of the University of Missouri.
Dr. Hunter is survived by wife, Ruth of Sterling; sister, Elsie Bethards of Chilicothe, Mo.; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by brothers, Glenn Hunter of Illinois, Clayton Hunter of California; niece, Donna Bethards of Missouri; and nephew, Clifford Bethards of Missouri.
The family requests no flowers, but donations may be made in his name to Hospice of the Plains or the Anschutz Cancer Pavilion in care of Tennant Funeral Home, P.O. Box 1547, Sterling, CO 80751.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
6 Entries
He will be greatly missed. He's taken care of all of our animals. Our deepest sympathies
Jessica Makuski
February 6, 2013
My sincere condolences to the family. Dr. Hunter has always been my pets' Dr. from puppies to euthanasia (I will have to search a new Dr. for my puppy needing spay next month :( Dr. Hunter will be missed...... RIP
February 1, 2013
It is so sad to hear that our own Doc Hunter has passed away. He's treated my cats and dogs with love and compassion for the past fourty years. God Bless him and his lovely wife.
Janet Foos
February 1, 2013
So sorry,I am going to miss him, he save my cat Minnie. He was a very good man. God be with his family.
Jeanette O'Connell
January 31, 2013
Our most sincere condolences to Ruth and Doc's family. He was a simply amazing Veterinarian, quiet, resolved and extremely competent. RIP Doc Hunter, you will be sorely missed in our community!!!
January 31, 2013
So sorry to hear about "doc"! He was an awesome person. He would always come to our house to give our pets their shots. He will be missed by many people.
Marilyn Rhodes
January 31, 2013
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