John "Ray" Hunter

John R. "Ray" Hunter, 87, a life-long Toledoan, passed away on November 3rd at Hospice of Northwest Ohio. Ray is survived by his wife Mary (Sutter) Hunter with whom he shared over 64 years of mutual devotion. He also leaves 13 children; Phil (Sue), Chris (Mary), Grace, Marty (Jane), Liz Dumas, John (Carol), Annette (Dennis) Lee, Tom (Kim), Kevin (Kathy), Nancy (Larry) Bauer, Paul (Pam), Donna Hunter Hall, and Maria 'Beanie' (Jeff) Denning. He will be especially missed by his brother Dick (Carole) Hunter. Also surviving are 52 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren. Ray was preceded in death by his parents, Chet and Agnes (Spalding) Hunter; brothers, Rev. Donald and George; sister, Marilyn Gstalder; grandsons, Ryan and Daniel Hunter; and son-in law, Marty Dumas. Ray was a proud graduate of Central Catholic High School, class of 1940, and was a corporal in the United States Army, serving in the European theater during WW II. During the more than three years he was away from home, he wrote to Mary daily and they planned their wedding through the mail. He returned to Toledo just days before their August 25, 1945 wedding. Ray attended the University of Toledo and the University of Detroit Law School. For 16 years, he worked for Mutual of Omaha Insurance Company, the last four as Toledo service manager. In 1964 he was recruited by his great friend Phil Skeldon to be the business manager of the Toledo Zoological Society. He retired from the Zoo in 1984 and owing to his immeasurable civic contributions, June 30, 1984 was declared "Ray Hunter Day" in Lucas County, Ohio by resolution of the Board of County Commissioners. Ray was a long time member and past-president of the Serra Club of Toledo and the first director of the Diocesan Development Fund initiated by then Bishop John A. Donovan. Ray and Mary were devoted to Rosary Cathedral and St. Patrick of Heatherdowns, the two parishes where they spent their married life, raised their family, and for many years attended daily Mass. Together with his friend Harold Knight, he helped to form the Rosary Cathedral Credit Union where many of his children followed his lead toward financial responsibility. He served as a lector and Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist at both parishes. A man of great faith, he was an inspiration to his family and friends. He provided spiritually, financially and emotionally for Mary and all 13 children with grace and dignity, a smile on his face and a twinkle in his eye. We were always proud and honored to call him our dad. Ray was the proverbial people person with an infectious laugh and warm, mischievous wit. He had a magnificent capacity for love and each of his numerous family members had a unique connection and understanding that often required no words. His brother, Dick, opined that he would light up a room when he entered it. Ray was a true gentleman. Friends may call at the Coyle Funeral Home 1770 S. Reynolds Rd. on Thursday from 2-8:00p.m. where a Scripture Service will be held at7pm. A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday at 10:30 a.m. in St. Patrick of Heatherdowns Church. The family would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the Elizabeth Scott Community for their exceptional care for Ray over the last 6 years. Memorials may take the form of contributions to Central City Ministry 1933 Spielbusch Ave. Toledo, OH 43604 (419) 244-6711 ext 216 or The Foundation for Life/Toledo Right to Life. We send a great man to his just reward at the heavenly banquet. The victory is his.

John "Ray" Hunter

June 15, 1922 - November 3, 2009