Donald Edwin Hunt

Donald E. Hunt SMSgt (Ret.), 62, of Ocean Springs, died Wednesday, August 4, 2010 at his home surrounded by his family. Don was born in Bogalusa, LA and has been a resident of the Mississippi Gulf Coast since 1971. Don heard the call of his country and joined the US Army in 1968 and served until 1971 during which he served two tours in Korea, he then enlisted in the USAF Reserves in 1982 where he served two tours in DESERT STORM. Don worked in the 403rd Maintenance Squadron at Keesler AFB where he retired in 2003 as a Senior Master Sergeant after 33 years of service. Don enjoyed life, his soulmate "Pat" who was the love of his life, his 4 boys and his grandchildren, they were the light of his life. Don loved this country and took his career very seriously. He loved to feel the wind in his face as he rolled down the highway on his Harley with his boys. He was an avid car collector, volunteered for "Cruisin' the Coast", showing off his vintage automobiles, road trips to Daytona, and the Harley Blowouts and trips to Sturgis, South Dakota. He was a charter member of the Singing River Street Rod Association and thoroughly enjoyed their gatherings, taking trips all over the country with Patty by his side and spending time with his club members and family. Survivors include his wife of 27 years, Patricia Ladnier Hunt; his mother, Nina Mae Hunt; four sons, Darren and Karen Hunt currently stationed in Iraq, Danny and Kelly Hunt of Biloxi, Sean And Kara Blevins of Ocean Springs, and Dustin and Selena Broussard Hunt; sister, Linda Hunt; brother, Wayne and his wife Lena Hunt; five grandchildren, William, Matthew, and Kaitlyn Blevins all of Ocean Springs, and, Brandon and Hailey Hunt of Gulfport. He also leaves his nieces and nephews Benji and Brent Kelly, Cody, Tatum, Noah, and Ethan Hunt all of Bogalusa, and one great niece, Kaitlyn Kelly of Bogalusa. Don also leaves behind his mother-in-law, Anna Mae Ladnier of Ocean Springs, brothers and sisters in law, Dennis and Adele Ladnier of Ocean Springs and their daughter Amanda and Eddie McCormick of Harlem, Georgia, and Cindy and Bob Ladnier and their children, A'lice Ladnier and Robert Ladnier of Ocean Springs. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, August 9, 2010 at the Ocean Springs Chapel of Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home. Interment will follow with military honors at the Biloxi National Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 6-8 p.m. on Sunday, August 8, 2010 at the funeral home. Don will truly be missed by all that knew him especially his family. We would also like to thank our neighbors at the Villa Maria for their kindnesses during Don's illness as well as all our friends and loved ones who were right there with us until the end. Special thanks to Cannon Hospice Nurse Mary and Aid Jawanda for their special care and loving gentleness.