HUNT, Eugene M. (Gene) (Dr.)

The Daily Courier, Prescott, Arizona Monday, May 02, 2011 Dr. Eugene M. Hunt died April 30, 2011, at his daughter's home in Prescott Valley. He was born Dec. 6. 1926, in Harvard, Neb., the son of Grier E. and Viola (Gallentine) Hunt. Gene was 84 years old. There are many wonderful events in a life well lived. Eugene was especially proud to be a graduate of Erickson High School and received his doctorate from the Univerasity of Wyoming. He proudly served in the Army Air Corp during World War II. He was a professor at the University of South Dakota, Supt. of Schools, Jackson Hole and Dubois, Wyo., and one of the founding fathers of Yavapai College, being the college's second employee and the Dean of Business. He retired in 1987 after serving as Yavapai County Supt. of Schools. During the early years, Gene enjoyed being a stock car driver with his brother Les. On New Years Day 1948, he was joined in marriage by the love of his life, Ila. Gene was always very civic minded, his memberships included the Elks, Moose and the Lions. He was proudest of being a Past Master of Aztlan Lodge #1, Free and Accepted Masons, a member of the York Rite and a Shriner. Gene is survived by his sons, Gene (Jackie) of Canon City, Colo., and Walt of Chino Valley; daughters, Rita Leyva and Nita Barnes, both of Prescott Valley, Ariz.; six grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren; two brothers and two sisters. He is also survived by his special friend Gerda Franzen of Forest Grove, Ore. His beloved Ila, preceded him in death in September 1993. A celebration of Gene's life will be 2 p.m. Thursday, May 5, 2011, at the First Southern Baptist Church, Highway 69 and Pleasant View Drive. Concluding services will be 4 p.m. at the Masonic Cemetery, with military honors by American Legion Post #6. Gene's family suggests memorials to Aztlan Lodge #1, Past Master's Scholarship Fund, 1028 Willow Creek Road, Prescott, AZ 86301-1642 You are invited to log onto www.ruffnerwakelin.com to sign Gene's guest book, view a tribute to him and share a memory with the family. Arizona Ruffner Wakelin Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements. Information provided by survivors.