Leo Stephen Hunt

Leo Stephen Hunt, age 90, of Gobles, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Sept., 19, 2013. He was born June 13, 1923 to Walter and Elsie Hunt. Leo was an army veteran and served in France, Belgium and Germany during WWII. After the war he worked for Allied Paper and Eaton Corporation until his retirement. Leo graduated from Mattawan High School in 1941 where he earned letters playing basketball, baseball and football. He played baseball and basketball in the Kalamazoo City League prior to the war. Leo had been a resident of Gobles since 1957. During that time he earned many awards for his involvement and coaching in the Gobles athletic programs, and in 1991 he was inducted into the Gobles High School Hall of Fame for his contributions to the sports programs. He also served as president of the Gobles Athletic Boosters from 1972-1990. Bingo!! Leo was assistant varsity baseball coach in Gobles for 35 years. In 2004 he was awarded the Assistant Baseball Coach of the Year by the MHS BCA. He also assisted in coaching the varsity football program and in 2003 he was awarded the Assistant Football Coach of the Year by the MSHAA for his coaching achievements in football. One of the greatest thrills in his life was when Gobles won the Class D Football State Championship in 1984 and he was able to step out on the field at the Silverdome. On Dec., 8th, 1979 Leo was united in marriage to Betty Lynch who survives. Also surviving are his children Rod (Mary) Hunt, Julie (Herbert) Garelick, Jeff (Donna Rees) Hunt, Russell (Toni) Hunt, and Jon (Barbara) Hunt; step-children Cynthia (Rod) Keeler, Linda Lynch, Kathleen Johnson and Charles Lynch; many grandchildren, great grandchildren and nieces & nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and 8 siblings, Douglas, Howard, Eva, Clyde, his twin brother Leon, Marjorie, Marian and Josephine. Although he loved all sports, he loved baseball most of all and he loved working with the kids and teaching them the game. His legacy will continue to live on as new generations of baseball players take the bases at Leo Hunt Field. The family will meet friends on Saturday, Sept., 28, 2013, in the Gobles Middle School Gym from 11:00 AM until time of memorial service at 12:00 Noon, Pastor Gary Napp officiating . A luncheon will follow held in the Gobles High School Foyer. The family suggest attendee’s to support Gobles Pride by sporting the colors orange and blue. Interment will be held Monday, Sept., 30, 2013 at12 Noon, Ft. Custer National Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to Gobles Chapel, D.L. Miller Funeral Home Inc., www.dlmillerfuneralhome.com The family requests that donations be made to the Leo Hunt Memorial Scholarship Fund.

Leo Stephen Hunt

June 13, 1923 - September 19, 2013