Francis Joseph "Joe" Hunt Jr. 75, of
Decatur, IL passed away Monday, June 12, 2023, in Decatur Memorial Hospital, Decatur.
The family will gather for a memorial visitation from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., Wednesday June 14, 2023, at Dawson & Wikoff Funeral Home, Mt. Zion. Following the visitation, a memorial service will be held at 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorials may be made in Joe's memory to the Macon County Conservation District.
Messages of condolence may be shared with the family at dawson-wikoff.com.
Joe was born November 23, 1947, in
Decatur, IL the son of Francis and Ruth Charlene (Auffenorde) Hunt Sr. He graduated from Stephen Decatur High School and went to work for the City of Decatur Street and Sewer Department. He was the drafted into the US Army and spent thirteen months in Viet Nam where he was awarded the Purple Heart and two Bronze Stars. He came home after his deployment and continued his employment with the city for 31 years and took early retirement. He then spent 10 years at the ADM Warehouse. He married Becky Bryson on July 9, 1971 and from that union were blessed with their daughter: April.
Joe loved the outdoors and enjoyed camping, hunting, and fishing. He was a 40 year plus volunteer at the Macon County Conservation District, a life member of the VFW Post#99, a life member of the 11th Armored Cavalry's Veterans of Vietnam and Cambodia, a member of the American Legion, a member of the Road Runners Motorcycle Club and the Prairieland Frontiersmen. He had been involved in Historical Reenactment for many years, presenting historical education programs at the Macon County Conservation District, Macon County Historical Museum, and several other state historic sites. Joe was also a Master Naturalist.
Joe had attended Little Flock Baptist Church in rural Moweaqua, IL.
Surviving is his wife Becky of Decatur; daughter: April McLemore (Brian) of Decatur; granddaughter: Rebecca McLemore and her fiancé Hayden File of St. Louis, MO; brothers: James Hunt (Patricia) of Decatur; Paul Hunt (Keith) of Murray, UT; John Hunt (MeriAnn) of Knoxville, TN; sister: Mary Phillip of Salt Lake City, UT.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents, sister: Martha and an infant sister: Susan.