Robert Hunter

ROBERT E. HUNTER, 79, left to be with the Lord on Friday, December 14, after developing complications from kidney cancer surgery. He was preceded in death by his 'best buddy' of 44 years, wife Dorothy Hunter. Born on November 12, 1939, he was the eldest of Robert and Ruth Hunter's three sons. Young Bob first lived in downtown Zanesville before moving to the family farm, where he and his brothers Curtis and Clark spent much of their childhood. Bob later attended Philo High School, becoming president of its class of 1957. Attending Ohio University in Athens, Robert expected to enter the United States Army and eventually join the business world. However, an accident on the family farm changed his plans, and Bob ultimately earned a Bachelor's of Science in Education. He subsequently taught Social Studies at Zanesville High School from 1961 to 1972. During this time, Robert also earned a Master's degree from Ohio State University. The Zanesville Jaycees recognized Bob as an Outstanding Young Educator in 1970, and he served as Chairman of Social Studies for several years. Robert relocated to Akron in 1972 after the Summit County Board of Education hired him as a Consultant in Secondary Education. Bob would continue to work with the Summit County Board until his 1996 retirement as a Social Studies Coordinator and Curriculum Supervisor, remaining involved in Economics and History. He also served as both President and Executive Director of the Ohio Council for the Social Studies. Bob indulged his historical interests outside the classroom too, through family field trips, constant reading, genealogical research, and membership in both professional and volunteer organizations. A lifelong railfan, Bob grew up in an age of steam locomotives and took many railroad excursions over the years. He belonged to a wide range of historical societies and museums. In later years, he was active with the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, General Alvin C. Voris Camp #67, including time spent as its Camp Commander. Robert is survived by his son Bob, daughter-in-law Nancy, brother Clark Hunter, sister-in-law Sue Hunter, nephew Curtis Hunter and his partner Ron; niece Michelle Bartgis, her husband Johnny, and their children Holly and Jordan; other relatives, and Robert's girlfriend Ginny Pugh. Calling hours are scheduled for Friday, December 21, from 4:00 to 7:00 P.M. at the Hummel Funeral Home, 3475 Copley Road, Copley, Ohio. Additional viewing will occur from 10:00 to 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, December 22, with a funeral service following at 11:00 A.M.