David Earl Hunter

David Earl Hunter 78, of Pocahontas, IL, passed away Friday, November 7, 2025. David was born on November 5, 1947, in Highland, Illinois, the son of Homer and Ilean Hunter. David married the love of his life, Thelma (Pendegraft) Hunter, on November 29, 1976.

Surviving is his wife, Thelma Hunter; children, David C. (Allie) Hunter, Joel L. (Elaine) Pendegraft, Troy (Genevieve) Pendegraft, and Sandra (Troy) Mitchom; grandchildren, Sharonica Mitchom, Monique (fiancé,’ Peter Delyiannis) Mitchom, Tori Mitchom, Troy Mitchom Jr., Sean Connolly, Tristen (Courtney Grace) Pendegraft, Alissa (boyfriend, Alexander Jones) Hunter, Lanie (fiancé, Jaden Bone) Hunter, Olivia Miller, Steven Miller, and David D. Hunter; great grandchildren, Taliyah, Markus, Elijah, Alysia, Spartakos, Thea, and Christian; great-great grandchildren, Kamilah Standford and Riley Bundrent; siblings, Roger (Susan) Hunter and Earlene (Scott) Johnson; nephews, nieces, and extended family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Homer and Ilean Hunter; father and mother-in-law, Orville and Leona Pendegraft; grandparents, Thomas and Leona Foster; brother, Frank Hunter; sister, Kathleen (Les) Massey; and great-great grandson, Nash David (Jones) Hunter.

He was a proud Vietnam Veteran serving 1965 - 1973, serving two tours in Vietnam. His awards and badges include: Purple Heart (1OLC), Vietnam Service Medal (w/Silver Star), National Defense Service Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.

David loved the outdoors, including hunting, fishing, and mushroom hunting. He loved his Country Music, was known for his “Hunter Shuffle”, and having the biggest and kindest heart. He would help anyone that needed it. He was very proud of his military service and showed it with his hats, which you would never see him without. He was always known as the loving Uncle David to his nieces, nephews, their children, and to those that were not related, also. They all loved to listen to his stories. If they ever had issues, he would be the one that would be there for them. His heart was his dogs Honor, Gunner, and Charlie. But his life revolved around his family: his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were his world. He was so proud of all of them and didn’t miss a chance to brag about them. But saving the best for last was his beautiful Wife Thelma. He told her days before he passed that he would never have made it without her and that she kept him grounded for the last 53 years.

Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or to Shriners Children’s Hospital. Flowers may also be sent to the Meridith Funeral Home in Lebanon for the services.

Visitation: Friday, November 14, 2025, from 4:00 to 8:00 pm, and Saturday, November 15, 2025, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm, at Meridith Funeral Home in Lebanon, IL

Funeral Service: Saturday, November 15, 2025, 12:00 pm, at Meridith Funeral Home in Lebanon, IL

Clergy: Fr. Paul Wienhoff

Interment: Mt. Gilead Cemetery, Greenville, IL, following the service

A celebration of life will be held at the Summerfield Lions Club on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at 5:00 pm, after the burial.

Meridith Funeral Home, Lebanon, IL