Clifford M. Hunt

Clifford M Hunt, longtime resident of Estherville, Iowa, and Bella Vista, Ark., passed away on May 26, 2013, at Circle of Life Hospice in Bentonville, Ark., at the age of 88. Mass of the Resurrection will be held at St. Bernard Catholic Church in Bella Vista, Ark., on Saturday, June 8, 2013, at 10 a.m. Visitation and rosary will be held from 9:15 a.m. to 10 a.m. prior to mass. Clifford Hunt, the son of Robert Bruce Hunt I and Pearl (Sawyer) Hunt, was born Dec. 5, 1924, in Jackson, Minn. His childhood years were spent on the family farm and in Jackson's schools, where he received his education. Following high school graduation in 1942, he enlisted and served in the U.S. Navy during WW II. He was proud and honored to be able to serve his country, where he was stationed at Pearl Harbor. After his honorable discharge of service with the Navy, he enrolled at Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, and participated in U.S. Navy Reserves. In May 2012, as a remembrance to honor his Navy service, "Gampy," as known by his grandchildren and many others, was most fortunate to go on the Veterans' Honor Flight to Washington, D.C., accompanied by his grandsons, Bryce Barnes and Eric Rosburg. Cliff married Cleova Jean Vasen on April 24, 1946, in Ames, Iowa. His lifelong career at Emmet County State Bank in Estherville, Iowa, began in January 1948. While living there he was an active member of the community and St. Patrick's Church. He served on many boards and held offices in several organizations such as American Legion, VFW, Elks, Estherville Golf and Country Club, National Ski Patrol, Knights of Columbus, Chamber of Commerce, Armed Services Draft Board, Winter Sports Festival, EIDC and many more. Retirement allowed his love of the game of golf to become his new "job" and reason for Cliff and Cleova to move to Bella Vista, Ark., in 1987. He was able to enjoy a daily game (or two) of golf, time to volunteer and work at St. Bernard Catholic Church and the pro shops of the Bella Vista Golf Courses. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Robert Bruce Hunt II and Marvin; and one grandchild. Left to cherish Cliff's memory are his wife, Cleova; his children, Michele Barnes of Freeport, Ill., Jim Hunt and wife, Cynthia, of Bloomington, Minn.; Jodi Maddocks and husband, Henry, of Whitewood, S.D., Jean Reinking and husband, Randy, of Bella Vista, Ark.; 10 grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren; his sister, Neva Savchuk; and sister-in-law, Ilale Hunt; nieces and nephews; and his special dog, "Gampson Eddie." Bella Vista Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.funeralmation.com.