William I Hunter

William I. Hunter, 92, of Walnut Hill, passed away Monday, March 4, 2019, at Mt. Vernon Health Care Center. He was born July 26, 1926, in Brownstown, son of William B. Hunter and Ivah (Pummil) Hunter. He married Jan (Perrine) Hunter on October 5, 1956, in Salem and she survives in Walnut Hill. In addition to his wife of 62 years, Jan Hunter of Walnut Hill, he is also survived by six children: Judith A. Fitzpatrick and husband Gary of Gulfport, MS, David G. Hunter and wife Karen of St. Peter, Paul D. Hunter and wife Patricia of Breese, Lola A Lyberger of Kell, Sandra N. Davis and husband Paul of Hoyleton and James J. Hunter of Walnut Hill; 13 grandchildren: Ryan, Chris, Kyle, Kevin, Sam, Stephanie, Ian, Alex, Shawn, Shane, Andrew, Megan, and Ethan; 9 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters: Beatrice Cooper and Gladys Pope, and two brothers: Hubert Hunter and Wallace Hunter. William graduated from Vandalia High School in 1945. He served in the U.S. Army from 1953 to 1955. William worked for 25 years for Bell System companies working in communications maintenance in the Centralia plant department. Prior to working with Illinois Bell, he worked for the Western Electric Company, the Bell System manufacturing affiliate retiring in 1980. William and Jan foster parented many children in the 36 years of serving with the Department of Children and Family Services. He was a member of the Calumet Street Christian Church in Centralia. He enjoyed gardening. William was a very caring, easy to get along with, compassionate, and gentle man. Per his wishes, cremation rites will be accorded, and a Memorial Service for William Hunter will be held Monday, March 11, 2019, at 11:00 AM at the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home in Centralia with John Willis officiating. Burial will follow at Harrison Cemetery in Patoka with Military Rites accorded at the gravesite by the American Legion Post 446 and V.F.W. Post 2055. Visitation will be held Monday morning from 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Oilbelt Christian Camp and will be accepted at the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home and Cremation Services at 235 North Sycamore Street Centralia, Illinois 62801, (618)532-3523, who is honored to be of service to the Hunter Family. Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.sutherlandfuneralhome.com.

William I Hunter

July 26, 1926 - March 4, 2019