"We are so sorry not to have been there today but health issues and Court don't seem to respect such things. Please know what wonderful memories I have of him being your dad and then learning he was a what????....a Judge????....yes.......and then the respect from both of us for his knowledge, patience, books and glow as a grandfather. It has been a pleasure to remember him through the Society. Respectfully (with big hugs), Martha & Mont"
In loving memory of
Robert S. Hunter
February 22, 2012
Robert S. Hunter, age 92, of 103 S. 23rd St., formerly of 4132 Coachlight Court, Quincy, died Wednesday, February 22, 2012 at 5:47 p.m. in Blessing Hospital.
He was born August 13, 1919 in Chicago, Illinois, the son of Clyde H. Hunter and Florence E. Hunter. On August 1, 1942, he married Dorothy L. Behrensmeyer in Chicago, Illinois. She preceded him in death on December 27, 2004.
He attended Madison School and graduated from Quincy High School. He also attended the University of Illinois. He was a graduate of Northwestern University College of Commerce, Northwestern University College of Law, and the American Savings and Loan Institute.
He was the first chair cornet in the Quincy High School Band (National Champions in 1936), a member of the University of Illinois Band, first trumpet in Quincy Symphony Orchestra, a member of the University of Illinois Men's Chorus, a member of the University of Illinois Double Quartet, the Y.M.C.A. Choir, and the Salem Church Choir. He had the lead part in several Quincy Community Little Theatre plays.
Mr. Hunter was a member of various winning crews at the South Side Boat Club of Quincy and played football at Northwestern University. He was a pilot with the Instrument Rating Member Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association. He also authored The Invitation to Flying (Flying Book Club Selection).
Mr. Hunter was a member of Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity, Phi Delta Phi, the Adams County Bar Association, the Quincy Country Club, Bodley Lodge No. 1, A.F. & A.M. Quincy Consistory, Quincy Rotary Club, Quincy Kiwanis Club, and the Illinois State Supreme Court Rules Committee.
Mr. Hunter was a County Judge for Adams County from 1946 until 1954 and was a Circuit Judge of the Eighth Judicial Circuit from 1957 until 1964. He was co-organizer and the first president of the Exchange Club of Quincy, co-organizer and first president of Adams County Chapter of American Cancer Society, co-organizer and first president of the Adams County Chapter of the American Heart Association.
Mr. Hunter was admitted to the Illinois Bar in 1942 and practiced law in Chicago with Taylor, Miller, Busch, and Boyden. He practiced law in Quincy from 1943 until his retirement with the exception of his terms of judicial offices. He was the Director and Chairman of the Board of Quincy Peoples Savings and Loan Association and the Director of South Side Bank of Quincy. He was also the founder and first president of Mid-west Abstract Co. Mr. Hunter authored the Trial Handbook for Illinois Lawyers, Federal Trial Handbook, Estate Planning and Administration in Illinois, Hunter's Illinois Probate System, Hunter's Illinois Estate Planning System, How to Build a Successful Estate Practice and numerous other books and manuals. He also co-authored numerous state trial handbooks.
Two highlights from his late years include the honor of the bestowal of the Amicus Curiae award by the Illinois Judge's Association in December 2007. He was also the ribbon cutter at the ceremony donating the Emmauel Hunter Cabin to John A. Logan Community College in Carbondale that same year.
Survivors include a daughter, Linda L. (Ron) Hermann, Champaign, IL; a granddaughter, Nell Catherine (Matt)Madigan, Champaign, IL; and one great-grandson, Hunter Matthew Madigan of Champaign. In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, James G. and John R. Hunter.
Services: 11 am Monday (Feb 27, 2012) at Hansen-Spear Funeral Home with Rev. Brian Damrow officiating. Burial will be in Greenmount Cemetery.
Visitation: 10 - 11 am Monday at Hansen-Spear
Memorials: Quincy University or Adams County Historical Society
Hansen-Spear Funeral Directors are in charge of arrangements.
www.hansenspear.com
Tributes
"Dear Lynn and Family: We are saddened to learn of Bob's passing. We were next neighbors to your parents on Coachlight Court for many years, and they were very special to us. Your father was a remarkable and disciplined person. With sympathy, John and Kathy Wilson Leesburg, Florida"