Jack Allen Hunter

Jack Allen Hunter, 96, of Bella Vista, Ark. died, July 24, 2015 at Concordia Care Center in Bella Vista. He was born July 18, 1919 to John Blair and Ida M. (Hennigh) Hunter at Denton in Doniphan County, Kansas. In April 1942, Jack enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps rising to become a crew chief assigned to the 1034th Air Material Squadron transporting gliders throughout North American and the Pacific theater while stationed in the Philippine Islands. He was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army Air Corps as a master sergeant, having earned the American Service Medal, Asiatic Pacific Service Medal, a Philippine Liberation Ribbon, WWII Victory Medal and Good Conduct Medal. Jack and his wife Lulu retired to Bella Vista, Ark. from Abilene, Kansas in 1981. In Bella Vista they joined the First United Methodist Church where they were active participants for 30 years. He was also a member of the American Legion, active in Meals on Wheels, and was an avid fisherman and hunter. He enjoyed gardening and giving away the fruits of his plentiful harvest. Jack is preceded in death by Lula, his wife of nearly 71 years. His parents and five siblings also preceded him in death. He is survived by son, Don Hunter of Kansas City, Mo.; daughter Sandy Bates and husband Paul of Bella Vista, Ark.; granddaughter, Ricki Hansen of Elgin, Ill.; grandson, Kenneth W. Bates and wife, Kimberly of San Diego, Calif.; two great-granddaughters, Leilani Larsen and Raegyn Hansen; and 13 nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Aug., 8, 2015 at the Bella Vista Funeral Home & Crematory, 2258 Forest Hills Blvd., Bella Vista, Ark. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made to KU Endowment marked for The Agency, William Allen White School of Journalism & Mass Communications. Gifts may be sent care of KU Endowment, P.O. Box 928, Lawrence, Kansas 66044.