He was a caring and supportive husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather, and for the last 30 years, Hunter dedicated himself to improving the quality of life for the citizens of Wilmington and Clinton County.

He was born in Ege, Ind. on Sept. 21, 1933, to Robert and Teresa Hunter. He was raised in Mechanicsburg, Ohio on his family's dairy farm. After graduation from high school, Hunter attended Ohio State University, then joined the Air Force and trained as a flight engineer for KC 97 refueling tankers.

He married Erna Lackner in 1954 and they settled in Wilmington after Hunter transferred to Clinton County Air Force base in 1961, where he transitioned from active duty to working as a civilian for the Air National Guard. He retired in 1986.

He received many awards for his distinguished military career, including special acknowledgment from former Attorney General William Saxbe, and capped by a Pentagon ceremony in which he received a distinguished award from then President Ronald Reagan and Secretary of Defense Caspar Weinberger for developing an oxygen system for airplanes that improved safety and saved hundreds of thousands of taxpayer dollars.

After retirement, Hunter volunteered his time to improving life in his adopted home town of Wilmington.

In gratitude for his efforts, Mayor John Stanforth issued a proclamation marking Feb. 2, 2017 as "Paul Hunter Day." The honor recognized his countless hours of service for the Regional Planning Committee and Public Works departments; his work with the Clerk of Council to make help make city government more efficient, accessible, and transparent; his efforts to launch a no-cost summer feeding program to help meet the nutritional needs of students when school is out of session; and his work to help improve community parks and preserve open space.

Hunter helped establish a small nature preserve near his home in the Southridge neighborhood, which was named "Hunter Glen" in his honor.

Hunter is survived by Erna, his wife of 65 years; his four children, Teresa, Paul Joseph, Jr., Lyn, and Yvonne Johnson; his grandchildren, Rachelle Thomas and Ty Johnson; great grandchildren, Brook and Rio Thomas; and brother, William.

Celebration of life services will be held at the convenience of the family at a later date. Interment will be in the Maple Grove Cemetery in Mechanicsburg, Ohio.

The Fisher-Edgington Funeral Home, Wilmington, has been entrusted with the arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hunter Glen Nature Preserve, c/o Cardinal Land Conservancy, Inc. (P.O. Box 957, 790 Garfield Ave., Milford, OH 45150), or Community Care Hospice (1669 Rombach Ave. Wilmington, OH 45177).

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by News Journal from Jan. 25 to Jan. 29, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for Paul Hunter

13 Entries

February 5, 2019

My sincere condolences to the family,may you find comfort in the God of all comfort during this difficult time

February 3, 2019

So Long Bud, old friend: We go back many years to our days growing up in Mechanicsburg. I will always cherish your friendship with my brother Jim. He was always very fond of you. My thoughts go out to your family and many friends.

Neil Gest
Sammamish, WA

Tom Himmelman

January 31, 2019

PJ was always a great neighbor for us over many years (over 20) on Randolph Street. Our heartfelt condolences to Nina,Terry, Paul Jr. and the rest of the Hunter family.

Charlene Reedy

January 30, 2019

Rest in Eternal Peace, Mr. Hunter. You will be deeply missed by many of us! May your light and wisdom continue to shine in the rest of us with open hearts and who have love and mercy on our fellow man. You've opened out minds and hearts to those who deeply deserve what many take for granted. Thank you in so many ways and for all you have done for our community! My Sincere Condolences to all of your family, friends, neighbors and Comrades! Your light will shine through others now. Many Blessings to you now and beyond.

Mary Thomas Watts

January 30, 2019

Paul was a great asset to our community, and his commitment to its well-being was an example to all of us. May his memory be a blessing and his legacy of citizen activism live on in those who loved and admired him.

Michael Bray

January 29, 2019

I will miss his faithful contributions to the WNJ! Best of "luck" on the other side. Or Lord is merciful.

James Hodge

January 28, 2019

My condolences on Bud's passing. He and I were very close friends at Mechanicsburg High School (Class of 1951)

Your neighbor..

January 28, 2019

Our sincere condolences to the Hunter family in the loss of your dear love one. Our prayers are as yours, that God provide his care and comfort you each day.
- Psalms 145:18,19

Lew Harrigan

January 26, 2019

Yvonne and Family, so sorry to hear this. It was always a pleasure to talk to Paul, especially since we had a Champaign County connection. I know he will be greatly missed by you and many others. It was an honor to know him. Good memories and prayers for you and family.

January 26, 2019

So very sorry for your loss. May God give you comfort and may he restore peace to you during this difficult time of sorrow. May you cherish Paul's memory both now, and in the future days to come as well.
1st Thessalonians 4: 14

Lori Green Musselman

January 26, 2019

Lynn and family,
So sorry for your loss.

January 26, 2019

Please accept my condolences for the loss of your loved one. May you find comfort in God's promise (Psalm 16:10).

James McGuirk

January 26, 2019

Paul was a pleasure to work with especially the long long trips to Rhine Mein Air Base. May God grant him eternal light.

Showing 1 - 13 of 13 results