Clifford Don Hunt

Clifford “Don” Hunt passed away Monday, June 17, 2013 at the age of 70. He was born on May 21, 1943 in Lampasas, Texas to Albert Milton Hunt Jr. and Hazel Margaret Henderson Hunt. Don grew up in McAlester and graduated high school in 1961. He proudly served his country as a member of the United States Navy from 1958-1966; serving in the Cuban Missile Crisis. He also attended the Naval School of Music in 1962. Don was well known in the McAlester area in the late 50’s for his musical talent, specializing in percussion instruments. He traveled one summer with the Ernie Fields Orchestra. Upon his honorable discharge from the U.S. Navy, he furthered his education by attending Northeastern State University graduating in 1970. Don married the love of his life, Jeanette Darlyne Coolbaugh on December 28, 1962 at Bacone College in Muskogee. They celebrated 50 wedding anniversaries in 2012. Don worked for Commercial Bank for 13 years. He later began a career as the Data Processing Director for the City of Muskogee. He retired in 2003 after 22 ½ years of service. He was ordained as a deacon in 1974 at the First Baptist Church in Okay, OK. He served as a music director in several churches in the Muskogee area, including First Baptist of Okay and Meadowbrook Baptist Church. He was an active member of Southeast Baptist Church. Don was preceded in death by his parents, A.M. and Hazel Hunt; his brother, Alan Hunt; his sister, Sherry Bee; his brother-in-law, David Bee; his nephew, Justin Bee; his grandsons, Holden and Harrison Dennis; his father-in-law, Rev. Gene Coolbaugh. He is survived by his wife, Jeanette, of the home; his daughters, Donna Moore and husband, Rick of Wagoner, OK.; Debbie Dennis and husband, Steve of Checotah, OK.; grandsons, Brett Smith and wife, Connie of Muskogee, Blair Smith of Norman, Hayden Dennis of Stillwater; granddaughters, Hillary Dennis of Shawnee, Hannah Dennis, Hunter Dennis, both of Checotah, Kelsey Moore of Wagoner; great grandsons, Caleb Kessler of Muskogee, Nolan Gregory Smith of Muskogee; mother-in-law, Helen Coolbaugh of Muskogee; niece, Stephanie Bee of McAlester; sister-in-law, Afton Hunt of Phoenix AZ.; many other family members and friends. Family will receive friends 2-4 p.m., Sunday, June 24, 2013 at Cornerstone Funeral Home. Funeral services celebrating the life of Don will be 10:00 a.m., Monday, June 24, 2013 at Southeast Baptist Church with Rev. Doug Miller and Rev. Steve Dennis officiating. Interment will follow at Greenhill Cemetery with Brett Smith, Blair Smith, Hayden Dennis, Garry Thompson, Rick Moore, and Steve Dennis serving as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be Rev. Dave Kelley and the members of the Joy Sunday School Class at Southeast Baptist Church.

Clifford Don Hunt

May 21, 1943 - June 17, 2013