Henry Louis Hunker

HUNKER Henry Louis Hunker, Professor Emeritus, died April 10, 2009. He was born November 14, 1924 in Wilkensburg, Pa. He is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years, M. Beth Sterner Hunker; four sons, Frederick (Linda Spohn), David B., and Erich J. (Mary) all of Columbus, Kurt C. (Roxanne) of San Diego, Calif.; and six grandchildren, Kathryn, Zane, Avery, Mikhail, Samantha and Ryan. Henry earned his Bachelors and Masters degrees from the University of Pittsburgh. He came to The Ohio State University in 1949, where he completed a doctorate in 1953, was appointed Professor of Geography, and later a professor in the School of Public Administration. He retired in 1994 after 41 years of service at the University. He was Fulbright Lecturer at the University of Queensland, Australia, 1957, and as a Battelle Memorial Institute Fellow in 1972-1973. He served in administrative positions at Ohio State, including Assistant Dean of the College of Commerce and Business Administration 1966-68; Director, Center for Community and Regional Analysis 1968-1970; Associate Dean of the College of Business 1989-90, when he was also Acting Director of the School of Public Policy and Management; and Director of The Ohio State Summer Program at Oxford University in England 1983-1985. His major interest throughout life was economic development, particularly relating to Ohio and especially Columbus. His work was published in professional and popular journals, and several books including Industrial Development, Concepts and Principles (1974), and Columbus: A Personal Geography, (2000). As editor, he revised Erich Zimmerman's classic work Introduction to World Resources, which appeared in English, Japanese and Spanish versions. His courses attracted future business leaders in Central Ohio and the region. He imparted his wealth of knowledge about Ohio, especially during field trips around the region and within the city, with hundreds of students and others over the span of several decades. Henry served the Association of American Geographers (AAG) as Editor of "The East Lakes Geographer" from 1963-72. In 2009, he was to have been recognized for his long and valued service by the AAG at its annual meeting. Henry served the community, being appointed by both Democrats and Republicans to several boards and committees, including the Ohio Historic Site Preservation Advisory Board and the Ohio Steel Industry Advisory Board. He was a founding member and served as President of the Columbus Landmarks Foundation during its early years, and was a long-time member of the First Congregational Church downtown, including past service as Moderator. Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to the Department of Geography, The Ohio State University, 154 N. Oval Dr., Columbus Oh. 43210, or to the First Congregational Church, 444 E. Broad St., Columbus, 43215. Visiting hours and a memorial service will be held at First Congregational Church on May 2, 2009, visiting hours at 12:30 p.m, service at 2 p.m.