Mr. Dennis M. Hunt

Dennis M. Hunt, 77, of Lake St. Louis, Missouri, formerly of Alexis, Illinois, died at 8:06 a.m. Monday, September 13, 2021, in Mercy Hospital of St. Louis, with his family at his side.

He was born January 26, 1944, in Abingdon, Illinois, the son of James “Acie” and Mollie (Winder) Hunt.  He married Deloris “Lori” Reem on July 22, 1967, in North Henderson, Illinois.

He is survived by his wife of over 54 years, Lori; a son, Guy (Jennifer) Hunt of Lake St. Louis; a daughter, Joni Smucker of O’Fallon, Illinois; four grandchildren, Nolan, Nora, Emili, and Chase; a sister, Sharon (Chester) Gilbert of Petersburg, Illinois; and nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Jack Hunt; and a sister, Barbara Avery.

Dennis was raised and educated in Abingdon, where he graduated from high school in 1962.  He served in the United States Army from 1966 to 1968.  After earning his bachelor’s degree in 1972 from Western Illinois University, Dennis was a teacher and coach for School District #400 in Alexis for 30 years.  After retirement from full-time teaching, he substitute taught for a time before driving a transport van for Gordon Behrents Senior Center. 

While living in Alexis, Dennis was an active member of Norwood United Presbyterian Church, where he was involved with numerous church activities, as well as, serving as a member of the choir.  He was a member of the National Education Association and Illinois Education Association.

After living in Alexis since 1973, Dennis and Lori relocated to Lake St. Louis in 2015 to be closer to their children and grandchildren.

Visitation will be 5 to 7 p.m. Monday, September 20, 2021 at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services Galesburg Chapel.  Funeral will be 10 a.m. Tuesday, September 21, 2021, at the chapel with Dave Dutton officiating.  In line with CDC and IDPH guidelines, attendees will be required to wear a mask in the funeral home.  Entombment with Military Honors will follow in Oak Lawn Memorial Gardens Mausoleum in Galesburg.  Memorial contributions may be made to Norwood United Presbyterian Church.  Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.

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