Ronald Lee Hunter, 83, of Pingree Grove, Illinois, passed away on March 6, 2025.
Ron was born in Pacific Junction, Iowa on November 16,1941 to Ora and Evelyn (Bates) Hunter. A U.S. Army veteran, he bravely served one tour in Vietnam before planting his roots on the west coast where he married Arleen Tompkins on November 6, 1983. Together they proudly raised four children in Orange County, California before she preceded him in death on January 29, 2018.
Ron was a roofer by trade and spent the majority of his working years self-employed. He enjoyed watching college and professional football - though he never claimed a team - and could always be found at home working on one project or another. Ron was an avid reader and never without his beloved cup of coffee in hand. After becoming a widower, he downsized his house and moved to Illinois near his son and family. Embracing his active senior community, Ron played in the bocce ball league this past summer and enjoyed gatherings with his local veterans' group and attending the men's breakfasts. He will be remembered as a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend.
Ron is survived by his four children, William Tompkins (and spouse Sydney), Matt Hunter (and spouse Shelly), Matt Tompkins, and Lisa Beggs; two siblings, Shirley Ann Petersen and James Hunter; five grandchildren, Kamryn Hunter, Wyatt Tompkins, Hudson Tompkins, Isabella Beggs, and Jacob Beggs; as well as several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his wife and parents, Ron was preceded in death by his older brother Gene Hunter.
A Celebration of Ron’s life will be held at 2pm on Friday, April 18, 2025 at Heritage Dilday in Huntington Beach, California. DeFiore Funeral Home has been trusted with arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Honor Flight Chicago.
You can donate by going to https://www.honorflightchicago.org/
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Rest in peace, Ron! The memories from all the years we knew each other will never fade, and they continue to be a blessing!