Robert G Hunter

Robert G. Hunter, Jr., 89, of Butler, went to be with his Lord on Sunday, September 23, 2012 at 7:45 AM. He passed away at home with his loving family by his side. For a year, he fought a strong and courageous battle with congestive heart failure. While fighting this battle, he was being taken care of at home by his loving wife of 65 years, Esther. Born May 8, 1923 in Steubenville, OH, he was the son of the late Robert Garrard and Eleanor (Hinterlang) Hunter. Bob served in World War II in the Air Force as an Aerial photographer aboard a B17. His crew was based in Fogi, Italy. They flew bombing raids over Germany. While on his 32nd mission, with only one more to go, his plane was shot down over Augsburg, Germany. It burst into flames as he parachuted 25, 000 feet. The enemy was waiting, they took him prisoner where he was beaten and abused. He was moved to three different prison camps. He ended up at Mooseburg, Germany, where he was later liberated by General George Patton's Army. He received the Purple Heart for wounds received. Bob was a 1940 graduate of Butler High School and attended the Babson Institute in Boston, MA. One of Bob's first jobs was running the elevator at the Butler County Courthouse. He later worked at Heckett and ARMCO. His last job was at the Diamond Alkali chemical plant in Ohio. Throughout his years, Bob enjoyed horse races and was an avid hunter and fisherman. He will be sadly missed and loved by his family and friends. He had a very special place in his heart for two of his nieces, Rae Weitzel and Bradene Kaltenbach, both of Butler, who were there when called and needed throughout his last days, right till the end. He is survived by his wife, Esther Weitzel Hunter whom he married December 15, 1947; his daughter, Patricia Jean Marzullo and her husband, Matthew Marzullo; 2 grandchildren whom he deeply adored, Kyle Jacob McElravy and Kierstyn Jean McElravy, all of Chicora; one brother, Thomas Hunter of Texas and a number of nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brother, David Hunter. Friends will be received at Young Funeral Home, Ltd., 127 W. Jefferson St., Butler, on Wednesday, September 26, 2012 from 2-4 & 7-9 PM. Services will be held at the funeral home, Ltd., Thursday, September 27, 2012 at 1:00 PM with his nephew, Rev. Robert Zanicky officiating. Interment in North Cemetery, Butler, PA. Military honors at funeral home following service.

Robert G Hunter

May 8, 1923 - September 23, 2012