Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. -John 14:6
Deacon John Namon Hunter, beloved husband of Esther Leeper Hunter went to be with his Heavenly Father on Wednesday, November 25, 2020. He was in his 90th season of a life well lived, abundant love shared, and a legacy made to carry on after his death.
John Namon Hunter, who was affectionately known as Namon, was born on, October 5, 1930 in Prescott, AR to Willie and Irene (Shaw) Hunter. He attended Blevins Training School in Blevins, AR. As a young child at a very young age, Namon was no stranger to responsibility and hard work. Upon the untimely death of his Father, Namon being the oldest child took a job at a sawmill and helped provide for the family. It’s safe to say God Almighty and All-knowing was preparing him for his own family responsibilities later on down the road.
During adulthood Namon was inducted in the United States Military where he was honorably discharged after a little over 1 year. He found a love for driving big trucks and machines while in the Army. He was stationed in Germany for some time. After returning home from Germany he married the love of his life, Esther Marie Leeper on June 14, 1952 and extensively used the pet name for her “Schusse” ( pronounced “shots” in English), which in German means sweetheart. To this union 5 children were born and raised with the utmost love and care.
Namon joined Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in Okolona, AR with his wife and shortly after they were married. Namon firmly believed in serving the Lord. He later was ordained as a deacon under the leadership of the late Rev. H.R. Green. He also served as an usher, and served as a finance committee person with the Southwest District Section 4.
Deacon Hunter was a hard worker for his family and his community. He worked in the logging business for several years as a log cutter/power saw operator. He later purchased a log truck, and began contracting for loads. He became a self-employed owner/ operator for his business, John Hunter Logging. John worked for over 60 years before retiring in May of 2016.
Namon dedicated his life to loving, working, and providing for his family and others he felt needed him. He coached little league baseball and enjoyed taking his children and their friends to the fair. He was a faithful caregiver to his wife Esther for a number of years following his retirement. He showed his family unconditional love and support and enjoyed gathering with them to play dominoes. He and his wife enjoyed watching their favorite shows on television when they could stay awake. They only watched church services, news, jeopardy, and family feud.
Loved ones left to celebrate his home going and continue his legacy include: his wife, Esther Hunter of Delight, AR; four sons, John Raymond (Ithia) Hunter of Rockford, Il, Alvin Lee (Sonya) Hunter of Hope, AR, Willie Robert (Eutrilla) Hunter and Brian Kentrelle (Tisha) Hunter both of Delight, AR; one daughter, Lois Marie Hunter- Wesson (Charles) of Delight, AR; two brothers, Willie Ardell (Minnie) Hunter of Delight, AR and Parnell Hunter of Forrest City, AR; four sisters, Zeola Leeper, Willie Jean Johnson, both of Okolona, AR, Margaret Burton of Gurdon, AR and Betty Hunter (a niece raised as a sibling) of Nashville, AR; thirteen grandchildren; twenty great grandchildren; five great great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
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