Howard O. Hunter, 89, of Medina, died Saturday, April 4, 2015, at Medina Hospital, after a brief illness.
Howard was born March 1, 1926, at his parents' farm in Montville Township and was a proud graduate of Medina High School, Class of 1944. Following two years of service in the U.S. Navy, he worked as a salesperson for Elm Farm Dairy and as an underwriter for Ohio Farmers (now Westfield) Insurance Company. He founded Hunter Insurance Agency in 1962 along with his wife Joy and was actively involved in the leadership of the agency for 30 years. He was a passionately active member of United Church of Christ, Congregational, where he served as a member of various boards and committees, Sunday School teacher, volunteer groundskeeper, and ever-welcoming greeter. He was a remarkably energetic, positive and other-centered person his whole life long.
Howard is survived by his wife of the last 14 years, Diana (Yarussi) Hunter of Medina; daughter and son-in-law Bonnie and Warren Wheeler of Asheville, North Carolina; sons and daughters-in-law Thomas Hunter and Rebecca Durant of Springfield, Vermont, and Daniel and Ellen Hunter of Medina; daughter acquired by marriage Michelle Petty of Medina; and son and daughter-in-law acquired by marriage Michael and Christine Yarussi of Waxhaw, North Carolina; grandchildren, Stephen Wheeler, Eric Wheeler, Sarah Wheeler Volk, Molly Wheeler Fender, Meghen Hunter, Olivia Hunter Kobel, Emily Hunter, Zachary Hunter, Samuel Durant Hunter, Jenny Rebecca, Benjamin Hunter, Russell Barnes, Evan Hunter, Leah Hunter, Steven Petty, Michael Yarussi, Gabriella Yarussi, and Maria Yarussi; and 21 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, Joy (Huffman) Hunter; father, Wayne Hunter; mother, Mabel (Rothacker) Hunter; brothers Gerald, Robert, and Claude; sisters Mirian and Lovina; and son, James Hunter.
A memorial service celebrating Howard's life will take place on Saturday, April 11 at 2 p.m. at United Church of Christ, Congregational, at 217 E. Liberty Street, Medina. Rev. Neal Sadler will officiate. Calling hours will be Friday, April 10 from 2:00 to 4:00 and 6:00 to 9:00 at Waite & Son Funeral Home, 765 N. Court Street, Medina.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the United Church of Christ, Congregational "Building For The Next 100 Years" fund.