HUNT, Gary (Dan)

McDougal's Caldwell Funeral Chapel, Safford, Arizona Dan Hunt June 17, 1948 - October 17, 2013 Gary "Dan" Hunt of Thatcher passed away at age 65 in Thatcher. He was born on June 17, 1948 in Paris, Texas to Earl Jacobson Hunt and Levicy Oleta Standley Hunt. He is survived by his eight children, Danielle (Richard) Curtis of Chandler, Jenifer Hunt of Gilbert, Denise (Christopher) Burke of Gilbert, Jaime Hunt of San Diego, Danae (Tyrel) Whittle of Gilbert, Daniel Curtis Hunt of Salt Lake City, Julene Hunt(Tim White), Jordan Kimball Hunt- LDS Missionary in Moscow Russia Mission; and former spouse Jan Kimball (Lyn)Saline. He will be sorely missed by his family and all that loved and knew him. We are grateful for his legacy of love and service to his family and his community. Throughout his life he served in many capacities within the Gila Valley, including Bishop of the Safford 2nd Ward, Summer Theater Director, 5th Grade teacher at Lafe Nelson School, and others. Dan had deep love of his Savior Jesus Christ, the arts, and of music, and enjoyed sharing his love through various capacities, including church choirs and teaching summer theater, as well as local concerts with his "Battle of The Bands", band mates, Dave Player, Dan's brother Larry Hunt, Dave McDeavitt, and Jim Young. Dan was loved by all that knew him. As his family, we would like to thank all of you who have enriched his life and ours through your love and devotion, and would like to especially thank his friend and frequent racquetball buddy Ed Ragland for all his years of friendship and devoted service. A memorial service will be at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, October 21, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. at the Safford LDS Stake Center with Bishop James McBride officiating. ~~~~~~~ McDougal's Caldwell Funeral Chapel, Safford, Arizona Dan Hunt June 17, 1948 - October 17, 2013 Gary "Dan" Hunt has passed away at the age of 65. Both his mother, Levicy Oleta Standley and his father, Earl Jacobson Hunt preceded him in death as did his only brother Lawrence Standley Hunt. Dan fell in love with and was married to Jan Kimball Hunt in 1972. He is survived by his eight children of whom he was very proud; Danielle Curtis, Jenifer Hunt, Denise Burke, Jaime Hunt, Danae Whittle, Daniel “Curtis” Hunt, Julene White, Jordan Hunt who is currently serving a two year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Russia, Moscow mission, and 10 grandchildren. Dan is a long-time resident of Safford, AZ but was born in Paris. Texas, that is. He will be sorely missed by his family and all who knew and loved him. We are grateful for his legacy of love and service to his family and his community. Dan was a veteran of the Vietnam War where he served in the capacity of Military Police. After the war and through the G.I. Bill, Dan was able to receive an extensive education at Brigham Young University where he received his Bachelor’s Degree. After beginning his teaching career, he began taking summer courses and earned his Master’s Degree in Administration from the University of Arizona. Throughout Dan’s life he served in many capacities within the Gila Valley; including Bishop of Safford 2nd Ward, Summer Theater Director, 5th grade teacher at Lafe Nelson, Addiction Recovery liaison and counselor, and many, many others. Dan had a great love of the Savior, Jesus Christ and was a convert to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He also loved the arts, and had a beautiful singing voice and was a talented actor. Dan enjoyed directing even more than he loved performing and gave countless children the opportunity to shine during his many summers of directing Summer Theater for the Safford Schools District. Dan also played the bass guitar and enjoyed local shows and “Battle of the Bands” events. He loved sports and was an avid college and professional sports fan. It didn’t matter what sport- he would know the stats. Dan was very patriotic and loved his country. He kept very current in politics and of the latest happenings both locally and in Washington. He had a hope for a return to political sanity and old fashioned common sense and values. Dan was loved by so many and as a family we’d like to publicly thank all who have enriched his life and ours through your many kind words, love, and friendship. He was a good friend and will be greatly missed. A memorial service will be at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, October 21, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. at the Safford LDS Stake Center with Bishop James McBride officiating.