Robert Skerlock Hunt M.D.

Hunt, Robert Skerlock, M.D. 73, a renowned and beloved general surgeon, died July 17, 2010, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. He was born on June 11, 1937 in Kansas City, Missouri, son of James Bender and Jane Murray (Skerlock) Hunt, who preceded him in death. He and Helen Sue Bess were married June 5, 1959 at the First Baptist Church in Cape Girardeau. Dr. Hunt attended Cape Central High School, graduating as valedictorian in 1955. He was elected Governor of Missouri Boy's State in 1954 and was a guard for the State Championship basketball team of that same year. He received his Bachelor of Science degree, graduating Magna Cum Laude, from Westminster College in Fulton, Missouri in 1959. He received his Doctorate of Medicine, with Alpha Omega Alpha honors, from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, Missouri, June 10, 1963. He completed his internship and residency at Barnes Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri in 1968. Dr. Hunt was certified by the American Board of Surgery, April 14, 1969. In service to his country, Dr. Hunt was Chief of Surgery and Professional Services at the 27th Surgical Hospital in Chu Lai, Vietnam, from 1969-1970. He was promoted to the rank of Major and received the Bronze Star for meritorious service. In 1970, Dr. Hunt joined the Cape Girardeau Surgical Clinic. He served as President of the Surgical Clinic for many years and through his innovative leadership, the Cape Girardeau Breast Care Center was established in 1995. In July of 2007, in recognition of his commitment to women's breast health, the Robert S. Hunt, M.D. Breast Care & Diagnostic Center was established in his name. Dr. Hunt served as President of the Missouri Chapter of the American College of Surgeons from 1981 to 1983. His professional achievements include: Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, Member of the American Medical Association, Member of the Missouri State Medical Association, Founding Member of the American Society of Breast Surgeons, and Member of the American Society of Breast Disease. Dr. Hunt's life is celebrated for his exemplary and devoted service to the regional medical community for almost 40 years. Physician to tens of thousands, he has given countless hours of highly regarded service to the Medical Staffs at both Southeast Missouri Hospital and Saint Francis Medical Center. He has served as President of the Medical Staff and Chair of the Department of Surgery at Saint Francis Medical Center and as Chief of the Surgery Department at Southeast Missouri Hospital. He has headed numerous other committees at both hospitals. He was instrumental in the formation of the Southeast Hospital Regional Cancer Center, chairing the Cancer Committee at Southeast from 1975-1980. Up to the time of his death, he was a member of the Board of Trustees of Southeast Missouri Hospital. Dr. Hunt epitomized the role model of a physician and surgeon. His surgical skills were extraordinary and he held himself and those around him to the highest standard. He took enormous pride in the accomplishments of his children and grandchildren, who fondly referred to him as Pop. He was an avid reader, traveler, and loved fishing (actually, just catching). He had a fantastic sense of humor and loved to laugh, share wine with his friends, and engage in friendly debates. His greatest joy was spending time with his family, especially with his wife and best friend, Susie. He was known for his love of family and friends, and his compassion, kindness, intelligence, integrity, humanity, perseverance, humility and patience. Dr. Hunt is survived by his wife, Sue Bess Hunt; his children, Lynn Hunt Kosup and husband Kris, of Frontenac, Missouri; and Dr. Steven Robert Hunt and wife Mai, of Ladue, Missouri; his five grandchildren, Hayden, Andrew, and Jordan Hunt, and Steven and Katherine Kosup; and his brotherin-law, James William Bess III and wife Jan, of Oneonta, Alabama. Services: Visitation will be held at Centenary United Methodist Church today, Tuesday, July 20th, between 4 and 8 p.m. Funeral services will be held tomorrow, Wednesday, July 21st, at 11 a.m. at Centenary United Methodist Church. Interment will be at Memorial Park in Cape Girardeau. Pallbearers will be Dr. Don Edwards, Dr. Tom Harte, Dr. Ed Noffel, Dr. Ray Ritter, Jerry Stone, and Rocky Wilferth. Honorary Pallbearers will be Dr. Jon Foley, Dr. Frank McGinty, Dr. Ron Richmond, Dr. Joe McCadams, Dr. Ray Silliman, and Dr. John Moll. Memorial donations may be made to Centenary United Methodist Church, Southeast Missouri Hospital, and St. Francis Medical Center. Loved by everyone who knew him, he will be remembered as a devoted and loving husband, father, and grandfather and as an incredible friend and healer to many. FORD & SONS Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome. com.