Harold Hunter

With the love of family, a hard work ethic, and the company of good friends, Harold Hunter lived a fulfilling life surrounded by the things he valued most. With his great sense of humor, he easily brought smiles to those in his company, and was well respected as a man of integrity and honesty. Through the many memories he shared, his legacy lives on in the hearts of those he touched. He will indeed be missed and fondly remembered. Harold Howard Hunter was born at a time when families struggled through the hardships of the Great Depression and impending war overseas. They learned tofind joy in the little things in life, like gathering as family around the radio. All-time favorite radio programs, like The Lone Ranger, F.D.R.'s Fireside Chats, and baseball allowed many to free their minds from everyday worries. It was in the midst of these challenging times when Olis B. and Goldie (Wilde) Hunter welcomed Harold into their lives, celebrating his birth on April 16 of 1934. Born and raised in the lakeshore city of Muskegon, Michigan, Harold was the youngest of four children in the Hunter household, joining older siblings, Virginia, Doris, and Robert. They made their home on Reynolds Street in Muskegon Heights where Harold made many neighborhood friends. While enjoying a typical childhood for the times, his family made numerous trips over the years to Georgia to visit his grandmother. As a teenager, both Harold and his brother spent their summers living on his uncle's farm near Newaygo. This time in Harold's life taught him the value of hard work. Along with the many chores that needed to be done, they also plowed the fields with a horse drawn plow. These experiences proved to give Harold a great work ethic which served him well throughout his days. Harold attended Muskegon Heights Public Schools and in high school played on the Tiger's basketball team. After graduating, he took a job at the Oldsmobile Plant in Lansing. He'd stay in Lansing all week for work, and then travel back home for the weekends. One of those weekends, however, changed the course of Harold's life forevermore. While at Club 61, a local nightspot, Harold met Josephine "Jo" Cherney with whom he became quite smitten. They soon began dating, but were forced to separate when Harold was drafted to serve in the U.S. Army. With the Korean War well under way, he was shipped out overseas, stationed in Korea and Japan. Jo worked in the office at Continental Motors during this time, and faithfully exchanged letters with Harold, saving each and every one. Their romance blossomed into love, and when Harold returned home to her awaiting arms, they began making plans for their future, beginning with vows of marriage on November 29, 1958. As newlyweds, they moved to Lansing for a short time but returned to Muskegon when Harold was laid off from the Oldsmobile plant. In the meantime, he took a job driving a delivery truck for Canada Dry soft drinks, just in time to support his wife and new son, Harold II, born in 1959. In the early 1960s, things began to really look up for Harold when he secured a job with the U.S. Postal Service as a mailman. He began working out of the Muskegon branch, and eventually shifted to the North Muskegon branch at the Four Corners. He truly loved his job and the customers on his route took a liking to Harold, too. They'd make him cookies and even invite him in for coffee. In 1962, Harold and Jo were blessed with the birth of their daughter, Dana. They eventually built a home in North Muskegon's Laketon Township on Timber Lane where they remained for many years to come. He provided well for his family, and had a great sense of humor. He was also a little bit of a jokester, often getting a rise out of the kids when he'd tease and embarrass them just for a little, lighthearted fun. Fun-filled vacations were spent as a family traveling to Cedar Point, and memorable times shared visiting Washington, D.C., Mackinaw Island, and a great road trip they took all around Lake Michigan. Many great times were spent with Jos family on Bear Lake where they enjoyed picnics and parties. At one point, they even had a boat the kids named, Yellow Submarine, but Jo made him get rid of it when it almost sank in the Muskegon Channel one day. Harold also enjoyed taking time to deer hunt in the fall with his son, and always sure to get his favorite spot by the special tree where he landed his very first deer. The winter months were spent having a great time snowmobiling with friends. Having always kept a great looking lawn, Harold had a green thumb and grew the most beautiful flowers, not to mention an assortment of vegetables,, raspberries, and strawberries, too. After nearly 35 faithful years as a letter carrier, Harold retired in 1996. Once retired, he and Jo went on a wonderful trip to Hawaii. Among the many things he looked forward to in his retirement, his true passion was found in being a loving and attentive grandfather. He and Jo babysat often, and Harold was sure to have his video camera in hand. He recorded everything his grandkids did, from major milestones in their lives and through attending their every sporting event, concert and school activity. They found unconditional love and acceptance in the hearts of their grandparents who together were a major influence in their lives. Being in their company, from when they were small to being grown with families of their own, Harold absolutely loved being with them. They made him laugh and smile, and were without question his life! Jo began noticing in 2007 that Harold was having some challenging times with his memory. She lovingly took care of him over the next few years until his condition eventually became too much for her. Although a difficult decision, Harold was moved to Heartland Nursing Home in Whitehall where he received wonderful care. The staff and other residents truly loved and enjoyed his company. As time went on, his body grew weaker and he suffered through several falls, even breaking his shoulder. As his health continued to decline with each passing day, Harold sadly died on Tuesday, July 31, 2012 at the age of 78. Lovingly remembered, he will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved him. Harold is survived by his wife of 52 years, Josephine; son, Harold (Marilyn) Hunter II; daughter, Dana (Mark) Scott; grandchildren: Geoffrey Stein, Morgan Hunter, Brody Scott; several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Virginia Pruin and Doris Garrison; and brother, Robert Hunter. The service to celebrate Harold's life will be held on Friday, August 3, 2012, 11:00 AM with visitation one hour prior to the service at the Clock Chapel - Muskegon with Rev. Ken Shady officiating. Interment at Laketon Township Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association. To share a favorite memory and photo of Harold and to sign his online guest book, please visit www.clockfuneralhome.com.