Richard Dale Hunter

RICHARD DALE HUNTER Graveside services for longtime Cortez resident, Richard Dale Hunter will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, April 1 at the Summit Ridge Cemetery. Mr. Hunt Zumwalt will be officiating. There will be a potluck dinner at 12:00 following the services at the American Legion. A visitation has been scheduled for Wednesday evening from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. at the Ertel Memorial Chapel. Dick was born on July 6, 1923 in Rathmel, Pennsylvania the son of Richard L. and Alberta Leone (Henry) Hunter. He passed away on Saturday, March 27, 2004 at his home in Cortez. Dick was 80 years old. An Army Air Corp Veteran, Dick served his country during World War II. He was on the second plane of the Enola Gay Bombing Raid. Private First Class Hunter was a decorated soldier, receiving the Good Conduct Medal, American Theatre Service Medal, and the World War II Victory Medal; as well as other lapel buttons. On August 17, 1945 in Sioux City, Iowa, Dick married Betty Eileen Morse. February 21, 1946 he was honorably discharged from the Army Air Corp. After his discharge, Dick continued to serve his country in the National Guard. In 1968 the Hunter family moved to Cortez, where Dick maintained an active life in his community. He worked for Continental Oil Company for 35 years as a production foreman. Dick belonged to many different organizations such as, the Cortez Trap Club, Old Timers Car Association, Cortez Rifle and Pistol Club, Men's Golf Association, Rocky Mountain Elks Foundation, B.P.O.E. Lodge #1789. He had held the positions of Chaplain and Commander for the Ute Mountain American Legion Post #75, and was a member of the National Rifle Association. During his spare time Dick enjoyed fishing, hunting, shooting trap, playing golf and bowling. He also owned his own racehorse. His children, Richard Craig Hunter and wife, Dell Denise of Denver, Colo., Ronald Hunter and wife, Bobbie, Randy L. Hunter and Michael Hunter all of Cortez survive Dick. He leaves 13 grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren; and his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Raymond and Donna Murphy of Cortez. Preceding him in death were his parents; his beloved wife, Betty Hunter; and his brother, Henry Hunter. Memorial contributions can be made in Dick's name at Vectra Bank of Cortez. Services are under the direction of the Ertel Funeral Home.