Richard Hunter

Medford-Funeral service will be Friday, October 13, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. at Pond Creek First Baptist Church. Burial will be at 2:00 p.m. at Rose Hill Cemetery in Hazelton, Kansas with arrangements by Lanman Funeral Home, Inc. of Medford. Viewing will be Thursday from 10:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. with family present from 5:00 until 7:00.

Bert Richard Hunter was born on June 27, 1937 in Anthony, Kansas to Hugh Richard Hunter and Ruth Opal (Whaley) Hunter. He entered into eternal life on Monday, October 9, 2017.

He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Ellen Ruiz.

He is survived by his children, Steven Hunter of Wichita, Kansas, Tina and Rich Hunter of Clearwater, Kansas, Stephanie and Jason Shockey of Medford, Oklahoma, Stacie Davis of Ellsworth, Kansas, and Michael and Dessa Hunter of Blackwell, Oklahoma; brother, Clifford and Ona Hunter of Platte, South Dakota. He is also survived by many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Richard grew up and attended school in Hazelton, Kansas. He attended Hazelton High and graduated as valedictorian in 1955. Following graduation, he worked at the service station in Kiowa, Kansas where he became involved with building and racing drag cars. He was known as having the fastest '57 Chevy in Kiowa, Kansas even going on and setting the national speed record of 99.77 miles per hour in 1958. While working at the service station he also served in the Reserve National Guard and later joined the Army in 1959 where he served until his honorable discharge in 1965.

Following his military service, he started working for John Deere in Kiowa, Kansas part time while running a dairy farm in Sharon, Kansas. He continued to work at various John Deere stores before eventually moving to Medford, Oklahoma in the early 80's. At this time, he began studying ministry at Oklahoma Baptist University where he later graduated with a degree in ministry.

He continued working for John Deere as a Part's Manager for forty plus years retiring from John Deere Northern Equipment in Enid, Oklahoma.

His love for racing continued after retirement, where he and his long-time friend, Bill Loch, traveled the roads of Kansas and Oklahoma attending many races with the anticipation of the Chili Bowl Nationals every January in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

When he wasn't sitting in the bleachers of the local racetracks, he was spending precious time with his grandkids and great grandkids.

Richard was a strong and devoted servant for the Lord. He was well respected and liked by many people. During the tough times, he kept his faith in the Lord and never wavered in that faith. He will be deeply missed, but is now at peace and in a better place.

Memorials may be given to Pond Creek Baptist Church through the funeral home.