Lt. Col Richard Lewis "Rick" Hunter

LT COL RICHARD LEWIS "RICK" HUNTER, 77, of Clendenin, WV, passed away suddenly on Wednesday June 5, 2024, in Charleston, WV. He was born on May 1, 1947 to Lewis Stanley and Anna Sprenkle Hunter. He graduated from Palmyra High School, and received a degree in Aeronautical Engineering from Embry Riddle. Rick married Paige Parish Hunter on December 27, 1990, and was a loving and devoted husband for over 33 years.
Upon graduation from High School, Rick joined the US Army, and trained to be a helicopter pilot at Fort Rucker, AL. He then served in Vietnam as a Huey "slick" and gunship helicopter pilot from 1967-1968. Rick returned to Savannah, GA, and continued his flying career; but now as a Cobra helicopter Instructor Pilot, at Hunter Army Airfield. He then joined the US Air Force, and attended Pilot Training at Luke Air Force Base, AZ, becoming an F4 Fighter Pilot, and served at Hahn Airbase, Germany for over 4 years.Rick returned to the US to continue flying F4s in Kansas until he left the Air Force to fly commercially. He moved to Bridgeport, WV in 1980 to fly for AeromechAirlines and Florida Express for several years. He joined the 130th Airlift Wing in 1981, and transitioned to flying C-130 E and H aircraft on a myriad of missions, all around the world. In addition to his flying duties, Rick served in numerous ground positions as a Technician, including Flight Safety, Current Operations, and Chief of Standardization and Evaluation. He retired from the 130th Airlift Wing in 2002, after 36 years of dedicated military service.
In the course of his dedicated service, Rick was awarded numerous Distinguished Flying Crosses, a Purple Heart, numerous Air Force Achievement and
Commendation Medals, the Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal with 1 Service Star, the Vietnam Service Medal with 4 Campaign Stars, the Southwest Asia Medal with 2 campaign stars, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign medal with 60 devices, to name only a few.
Rick was an explorer at heart, and loved to travel the world. He traveled to over 70 countries, celebrating his 70th birthday in his 70th country. He also loved exploring the US on his Ultra Classic Limited Harley. When he wasn't out exploring, he was "on the farm" building, woodworking, and a myriad of other endeavors to forge a home full of love and laughter with Paige, that welcomed family and friends alike.
Rick was an extraordinary man. He was a fearless warrior, a tender, devoted, and loving husband, father, and grandfather, and a deeply loyal friend and comrade.
With his bright, infectious smile, quick wit, and easy-going nature, he made all who shared his space feel comfortable, welcome, and cared about.
He was preceded in death by his mother, father, mother-in-law, Penny Parish, and father-in-law, Brig Gen (Ret) Robert E. "Bob" Parish.
He is survived by his loving wife of over 33 years, Brig Gen (Ret) Paige Parish Hunter of Clendenin, son Ryan Hunter, his wife Stephanie, grandchildren Catey and Colin of Cranberry Township, PA; son Chris Hunter, his wife Janelle, and grandsons Landon and Blake of Land O Lakes, FL; and sister, Patricia "Pat" Fields of Clendenin, WV.
A memorial service will be held at 1030 on Friday, June 14, 2024 at Hafer Funeral Home in Elkview with Pastor Jim Robinson officiating. Visitation will start one hour prior to the service, at 0930. The West Virginia National Guard will be rendering military honors.
Online condolences may be sent to www.haferfuneralhome.net.
Arrangements are in the care of Hafer Funeral Home, 50 North Pinch Road, Elkview, WV 25071. While some may choose to send flowers, others may choose to donate to the Veteran's organization of their choice in Rick's name.