Steve Joe Hunt's Obituary
Steven Joe Hunt, age 70, of Corydon, IA, passed away peacefully on May 31, 2024, at Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines, IA, surrounded by his family.
Steve was born on May 12, 1954, to Tommy Joe and Barbara (Loney) Hunt in Honolulu, HI. He was later joined by Deborah, Russell and Kevin. Steve's father was a career Navy guy so the family often moved where Tommy's career took them. This taught Steve the ability to adapt and not to be afraid to try new things. Steve was able to carry on a conversation with just about anyone and somehow he always figured out that they knew someone in common. Growing up Steve spent a lot of time at his cousins house- they were as close to him as siblings. Steve graduated from Wayne High School in 1973. He was an all around stand out athlete with basketball being his passion. He earned All State Honorable Mention in basketball his senior year. His track 4x 400 relay team held the school record for many years. Steve was a fierce competitor and was good at basically everything.
After high school Steve enlisted in the Navy and served as a Corpsman. He was married while in the Navy. His children, Carey Lynn and Tommy Joe (TJ), brought a lot of joy to him. After his stint in the Navy he returned to Wayne County and attended IHCC where he obtained his licensed practical nursing degree. Steve worked as a Respiratory Therapist at Wayne County Hospital and it was there that he met Kathy Banks. They were united in marriage on August 18, 1984. This union was blessed with three children, Drew Landon, Bailey Marie and Allie Jo. Steve was able to further his education- earning his Bachelor's of Education degree at Northeast Missouri State and his Masters degree from Drake University. Steve taught at various schools and retired as High School Principal at Mormon Trail Schools. Steve's true love was coaching basketball. He had a lot of passion for teaching the game and significantly impacted his players. He was tough on his players because he saw their potential. Despite being tough, Steve earned their respect. His basketball teams were a second family to him.
Steve loved all sports. He could often be found at Garber's playing a game of pick up basketball. Steve hated losing whether it be a basketball game, board game or cards. Steve loved open gym and continued to play basketball until he was 61.
Steve cherished making trips to Iowa City with Drew to cheer on the Hawkeyes. Every year, Steve and Drew teamed up for fantasy football , and after 15 years, they finally won the league this year. A highlight for him was last year's trip to Dallas to watch the Iowa women's basketball team play in the Final Four with Bailey, Carey, Natalie and Malia. Steve and Allie bonded over all the little things like music, animals, and Game of Thrones. He loved to travel and was very proud that he and Kathy have been able to visit 11 European countries. Family vacations to Colorado, Utah, Boston and California were the best. Nothing like a road trip!! Steve loved all types of music-from the 50's and 60's to Christmas tunes to Pink. He was also an avid video game enthusiast and a diehard Iowa Hawkeye Fan. Steve adored all the family pets especially Rudy, Oakley, and Yum-Yum. There wasn't a Sunday morning that you wouldn't find Steve playing poker at the card shack with the guys.
Steve was his kids and grandkids biggest fan. Although he didn't formally coach all of his children, he was truly their first coach in every sport. He loved watching Natalie, Josh and Malia play basketball and breaking down the game with Carey. Steve also enjoyed Saturday morning soccer games with Rylie, cheering on her big brother Easton. He had a special fondness for babies and playing with his newest grandson, Stetson, brought him immense joy.
Steve is survived by his wife Kathy, children Carey Thomas (Matt), TJ Hunt (Tessa), Drew Hunt (Meredith), Bailey Gwinn (Darrell) and Allie Hunt; grandchildren Natalie, Josh and Malia Thomas,Trinity and Dawson Hunt, Easton and Rylie Hunt, and Stetson Gwinn. He was preceded in death by his parents, Tommy and Bobbi, his bonus parents, Maynard and LaVern Street, his sister Debbie Hullinger, brother in law, Danny Campbell and granddaughter Paisley Hunt.
Services will be on Tuesday, June 4, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. at the Thomas Funeral Home in Corydon with interment at the Corydon Cemetery along with full military rites. Pallbearers are Kole Foster, Ryan Kirsch, Jeremy Michaelis, Scott Graham, Lance Wilson, and Phil Bruner. Honorary pallbearers are Andy Garber, Eric Jaeckel, Larry Foster, Marvin Foster, Buck Veach, and Mike Snyder.
Visitation will be on Monday, June 3, 2024, with family present from 5:00p.m.-7:00p.m. at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the Family of Steve Hunt to be determined at a later date and sent to Thomas Funeral Home 303 E. Jefferson, Corydon, IA 50060 Attn: Steve Hunt family and condolences may be shared at https://www.thomasfh.com or https://facebook.com/thomasfuneralhome.
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