Howard Hunter, 86, Akron, passed at 5:20 a.m., Wednesday, Jan. 20, at Kosciusko Community Hospital, Warsaw, after being hospitalized Saturday.

He was born Sept. 30, 1929, in Kosciusko County to Herschel “Bud” and Helen (Speicher) Hunter.

He was married Sept. 11, 1949, in Akron to Marian Musial she survives.

He worked for Pike Lumber, Akron, for 17 years and retired from Moore Business Forms, Rochester. He was a graduate of Sydney High School in 1947. He served in the Indiana National Guard for eight years. He attended the Akron Church of God for 57 years. He enjoyed the Cubs and the Colts, drinking coffee at the restaurant, gardening and sharing what he grew with everyone.

Survivors include his wife, Marian Hunter, Akron; daughter, Shirley (Ron) Smith, Fishers, Debra (Tim) Mills, Perrysville, Ohio; son, Larry (Lana) Hunter, Akron; seven grandchildren: Dustin, Jill, Bret, Andy, Kari, Ryan and Ashley; nine great-grandchildren: Kayla, Maddie, Jace, Rily, Breanna, Macey, Sadie, Hunter and Skylar; and a sister, Lucy (Bill) Smith, Pierceton.

He was preceded in death by his parents and mother-in-law, Elsie Engle.

Services begin at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 23, with visitation one hour prior to the service at Akron Church of God, Akron, with Pastor Ryan Chapman officiating. Visitation is from 5-8 p.m., Friday, Jan. 22, at Hartzler Funeral Home, Akron.

Memorial Contributions to Yellow Creek Lake Ministries for youth campers.