Rex Hunter

PRINCETON — Rex F. Hunter, 85, of Princeton passed away Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2014, at Perry Memorial Hospital in Princeton.

He was born Dec. 23, 1928, in Rardin, Ill., to Montelle F. and Austis E. (Cook) Hunter. He married Frances Agatha (Turk) on Dec. 27, 1952, in Bridgeport, Ill. Fran preceded him in death on Jan. 21, 2012. They would have been married 60 years in December 2012.

He graduated from Sidell Township High School in 1946. He was a life-long member of Fraternity Phi Sigma Epsilon. Rex received his bachelor's degree and teacher's certificate from Eastern Illinois Teachers College in 1952. He worked for the Princeton Elementary School District for 35 years teaching art. He was a bus superintendent and bus driver also.

Rex was an avid hunter and fisherman. He enjoyed fishing in Canada with the "Fishin Fools" and fishing the local ponds and rivers. He also loved woodworking, painting, yard landscaping and especially his "Wednesday Night Pitch Club." He loved to travel and took his family on many adventures out west and all over the United States. Rex and Fran traveled during their retirement years. Rex loved his family. His children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were a source of joy and pride.

He is survived by his children, Mary F. Hunter Moore of Manlius, Daniel J. Hunter of Princeton, James G. (Tracey) Hunter of Malden and Margaret M. (Mark Kircher) Hunter of Mattoon; his grandchildren, Matthew G. Moore, Christopher W. Hunter, Gallen F. Hunter and Erin M. Hunter; his great-granddaughters, Isabelle Moore, Aspyn Hunter, Kyrstin Arkwright and Lydia Moore; one sister, Norma Brannon of Charleston; and his cat, "Kiki."

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; his infant daughter, Patricia Ann; his oldest grandson, Kevin D. Moore II; and his infant grandson, Rex Ryan Hunter.

Services will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 28, at St. Louis Catholic Church, Princeton, with Father Jeffrey Stirniman officiating. Burial will follow in Oakland Cemetery, Princeton.

The family will receive friends from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday, Jan 27, at the Norberg Memorial Home, Princeton, where a rosary will be recited at 7 p.m.

Memorials may be directed to the St. Louis Catholic Church School Art Program.

Online condolences may be left at www.norbergfh.com.