Van Phillip Hunt

VAN PHILLIP HUNT, SR., (1933-2022 It only takes one smile to offer welcome, and Blessed is the person who will share it. It only takes one moment to be helpful, and Blessed be the person who will spare it. It only takes one joy to lift a spirit, and Blessed be the person who will give it. It only takes one life to make a difference, and Blessed be the person who will live it. Amanda Bradley)
Van Phillip Hunt, Sr., was one who shared a smile when he met you; paused to talk, visit or lend a helping hand when needed; lifted spirits with his good nature, heartfelt prayers and encouragement; and made a difference for God in the way he lived his life. And Van considered himself, deeply blessed.
Born and raised in the area of Florence, Texas, Van Phillip was the only child of Lottie Mae and Wesley David Hunt. Although he was doted on by his Mama, Aunts and his Grandma Dollie Parsons, he wasn t a spoiled child but was loved by all who met him. While in elementary school, he had a very special teacher who taught him to memorize and recite poems and stories. When he was twelve he received his first harmonica, which he immediately begin learning to play. Attending high school in Florence, Texas, Van especially enjoyed his agriculture class, and was on an award-winning grass judging team. He also loved sports, lettering in both football and basketball.
Upon turning eighteen, Van Phillip enlisted in the US Navy, serving overseas during the Korean Conflict. He spent 31 months as an aviation mechanic on the USS Bataan aircraft carrier where he made several lifelong friends.
In 1955, following his four years of service, Van enrolled at Southwestern University in Georgetown. While standing in the registration line, he was introduced to pretty young sophomore, Mary Beth Chambers, who seemed to know more about selecting classes than he did. After registering, Van invited her to get a soda and soon they realized they were meant for each other and were married the following year on September 8, 1956.
They began their new life together in Beaumont, finishing their teaching degrees at Lamar University. But after a few years, Van had a hankering for a place in the country for their four children to grow up. On a drive up to Kirbyville, he returned home to Mary Beth with excitement in his eyes telling her he had found their new country home in Buna. This new house had no hot water, no telephone and cracks in the floor, but love was sufficient as Van and Mary Beth worked together to make it a joy-filled, comfortable and safe haven for their family. Van labored physically on the farm year-round keeping the fences mended, pastures cut and tending to his cattle. But during his summer time-off from teaching, he planted, harvested and sold corn, peas, pinto beans, and watermelon, with help from Mary Beth and the children.
Van continued his employment as Transportation Director with Beaumont ISD for several years until 1973 when he began teaching sixth and seventh grade science at Buna ISD, bringing his love of agriculture, biology and geology to life for his students through his storytelling teaching style. He truly wanted to make a difference for his students, whether imparting wisdom or helping them realize their value as a person.
Following his retirement in 1991, Van and Mary Beth opened a plant nursery, studied and became Master Gardeners and enjoyed learning more about Texas Native plants, wildflowers and herbs. After 10 years, they retired for good and began learning to play dulcimers, joining the Southeast Texas Dulcimer Group. Van often played his dulcimer, but frequently opted for his lively and soulful harmonica, which his musician friends appreciated. Van also shared the gift of his beautiful tenor voice by singing in the choir at the Buna First Methodist Church, often playing his harmonica in worship. The word got out about Van s talent, and requests were frequently made by friends for him to play his harmonica at their funerals, to which he faithfully obliged.
Van made many friends throughout his journey in this life because he had a way of finding a common connection with people. Whether he met them around town, in church, while camping, playing music or sitting around a table eating, drinking coffee, telling stories and jokes or playing dominoes, they became part of his life, and he strived to keep up with each one as much as he could through letters, phone calls, and visits.
To family and friends who knew him in his early years, he was Van Phillip, Dukie or Uncle Teko. To many in our community he was Mr. Hunt, the teacher. And to others, he was Van or Van the Man. Those of us who knew him best and were privileged to be his family and live in his household, where peace and love flourished, knew him as Daddy and Papaw. As he approached the age of 89 this year, Daddy stated Time goes by fast when you are happy and having fun. He loved each person in his family dearly and was content with his life, knowing that God had blessed him abundantly. He frequently reminded us that Family is everything don t miss the opportunity to love the ones God gives you. God gave Van these who love him dearly: Mary Beth, wife of almost 66 years; children-Karen Hunt-Kissel and husband, Kevin; Julie Hunt-Reeves and husband, David; Phillip Hunt and wife, Angie; and Eric Hunt; ten grandchildren and spouses; twenty-one great-grandchildren; cousin Connie Kanetzky; sister-in-laws Barbara Janac and Sue Flanagan and husband, Floyd; along with many nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Van s life will be held Saturday, August 27, 2022 at 11 AM, with Visitation from 9 10:30 AM at First Methodist Church, Buna, Texas. We hope to livestream the service for those unable to attend.
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Van s love of God and people was apparent throughout his life and he requested that instead of flowers at his passing, memorial gifts be made to either of these outreaches where he received much love and care:
First Methodist Church, PO Box 1148, Buna, Texas 77612
MD Anderson at gifts.mdanderson.org
As a further act of his love of Science and desire to help others learn, Van chose to donate his body to the UT McGovern Medical School in Houston.
During Van s final days as he was cared for intimately by his family, caregivers from Visiting Angels and Riceland Hospice assisted greatly, providing professional care with love and kindness.
Our family is so grateful for each of you - far and wide - who have poured out God's love through your prayers, phone calls, messages, visits and meals.