Henry D Hunter was born February 28, 1942 in New Madrid, Missouri to Thomas Ferguson "Tom Furg" and Mary " Mae" Gallivan Hunter. He passed away July 9th, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.  Henry was the youngest of eight children and spoiled rotten by his sisters, especially JoAnn Hunter. He, along with his dad and one brother, Charles, farmed and for many years ran the Bootheel Cotton Gin. Farming was in his blood and "gumbo" was always on the floor board and tires of his truck. It was almost the cologne he wore.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Tom Furg and Mae Hunter and all of his siblings; Tommy Hunter, JoAnn Hunter, Jim Digges Hunter, Gallivan Hunter, John Alfred Hunter, Nancy Hunter Kaiser, Charles Hunter and one grandson, Ridge Hunter Starnes.

He married his bride, Mary Ann Davis, who survives of the home, on the longest day of the year, June 21, 1968 at 10:00 o'clock on a Friday morning in the hopes that it was the most inconvenient time for everyone and no one would show up. That was definitely not the case and they had a wonderful, beautiful wedding in the Immaculate Conception Church in New Madrid, where he was a devoted and lifelong member.

He and his bride, as he lovingly referred to her, had a wonderful life together. The addition of his three children was the icing on the cake. He was always so proud of his kids and had a special bond with each of them. David Hunter of Springfield, Missouri, Mary (Rod) Starnes of Portageville, Missouri and Thomas (Nicole) Hunter of Sikeston, Missouri. When the grandkids started coming, his life became even fuller. He had six grandchildren, Patrick Hunter of New Madrid, MO, Parker (Summer) Hunter of Sikeston, MO, Harley (Tristan) Duff of Vanduser, MO, Ridge Starnes, Sasha (John) Kellams of Portageville, MO and Rodney (McKenzie) Starnes of Dyersburg, TN.  He always had a smile and a laugh for each of them, his heart was so big.  He had ten great-grandchildren which made him smile and laugh when they would come and "play" with him.

He had a host of nieces, nephews and cousins, his closest being Ann Evans Copeland, who he taught all her bad habits but had the best of times. Being the youngest of eight children, made him the favorite of all his nephews, Jimmy "Boone"  Hunter and Jackie Kaiser, hands down thought he hung the moon.

He served in the National Guard with a host of New Madrid area residents. He was the Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus 7218, a position which he proudly and honorably held. He was a faithful supporter of the NRA and Ducks Unlimited. Henry was also a member of the American Legion Post 595 in New Madrid, MO

Henry was a creature of habit. When Tasters was still open, everyone knew that when he pulled up to drink coffee with his buddies, the "Henry Omelet" was already on the grill. The red truck pulling in the drive was a staple the Tasters employees looked for. After Tasters closed, M&M Deli was his go-to for breakfast because Sharon Burgeous would cook his omelet.

Henry touched many lives, His kind heart and laugh will always be remembered.

Pallbearers will be his grandsons, Patrick Hunter, Parker Hunter, Tristan Duff, John G. Kellams, Rodney Starnes II and Rodney "Trey" Starnes III. Honorary pallbearers will be his nephews, Jackie Kaiser, Shapley Hunter, Johnny Hunter, Tommy Hunter, Jerry Kaiser, Jimmy Kaiser, Michael Hunter, and close friend and favorite alderman, David Courtois.

Funeral services will be as follows: Visitation Monday, July 13th, from 5 to 8pm at Richards Funeral Home, with Rosary at 7:00pm. Funeral Mass at Immaculate Conception Church , Father Colby officiating, Tuesday, July 14th at 11:00am, burial will follow at Evergreen Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Immaculate Conception Church in New Madrid.