Hal E. "Buck" Hunter, III

Hal “Buck” Edward Hunter, III passed away on May 14, 2022 at his home in New Madrid, MO surrounded by his children. He was born on March 20, 1944 in South Bend, Indiana to Hal E. Hunter, Jr. and Mary Virginia Crisler Hunter. 

Survivors include his two daughters, Shannon (Chris) Graff of Scott City, MO; Dr. Colleen Hunter (Blake) Pearson and his son, Hal E. “Chance” (Julie) Hunter, IV of Sikeston, Missouri and his grandchildren, Lawson and Caden Graff, Ben Pearson, Quin and Sophie Hunter. 

He is also survived by three sisters, Ann (Frank) Lamanna of Germantown, TN; Mary Catherine (Jerry) Eddy of Lebanon, TN and Dr. Lora (Greg) Little of Memphis, TN and two brothers, Craig (Timmie) Hunter and Lee Hunter of New Madrid, MO. 

He graduated from New Madrid High School in 1962. He received a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Notre Dame in 1966 where he was a standout boxer. He received a Juris Doctorate degree from the University of Missouri Kansas City in 1969. He practiced law in New Madrid County for over 50 years. He began his military career with the Missouri National Guard jn 1969 as a member of Company-C 1140” Engineer Battalion, Portageville, MO. “He was appointed Judge Staff Advocate in 1988 for the 35th Infantry Division Support Command where he served until his selection in 1990 to be the State Judge Advocate in Jefferson City, MO. He was a graduate of the Judge Advocate Officer General Basic Course, the Judge Advocate General Advanced Course, the United States Army Command and General Staff College and the United States Army War College receiving a Master’s Degree in strategic studies. He was appointed as Brigadier General in 2002 where he served until his mandatory retirement at 60 years old. 

His military awards included the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, the Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal and the Missouri State Emergency Duty Ribbon.

His greatest love, besides watching his grandchildren play sports, was enjoying the outdoors. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. He traveled all over the world in pursuit of his passion for the outdoors. He was an advocate of encouraging young people to be involved in the outdoors in his effort to keep the tradition of hunting and fishing continuing from generation to generation. 

Pallbearers will be John Pikey, Jason Daniels, Greg Schoemehl, Klay Nowlin, Malcolm Nix and Bobby Aycock. 

Honorary pallbearers will be Calvin Broughton, Tom Marler, Honorable Fred Copeland, Dwight Lusk, Steve Campbell, Bob Rives, Mike Phillips and Jimmy Bland. 

Visitation: for family will be from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Friday, May 20, 2022 and services will begin at 1:30 p.m. at Richards Funeral Home in New Madrid, MO. Burial will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery with full military honors; Immediately following there will be a celebration of life at the American Legion Hall. 

The family suggests memorial contributions to the Paralyzed Veterans of America, the Immaculate Conception Church, or a charity of choice. 

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