Keith Hunt

August 17, 1925 - April 14, 2018

Oskaloosa. (George) Keith Hunt, 92, of Oskaloosa, died Saturday, April 14, 2017, at the Crystal Heights Care Center in Oskaloosa. He was born August 17, 1925, near Peoria, Iowa, the son of George and Wilma Beckman Hunt. He graduated from Lacey High School with the class of 1943. Following graduation Keith went to work driving truck for Archie Long Trucking in New Sharon. On November 21, 1944, Keith enlisted in the United States Navy. He served in the Pacific Theatre during World War II aboard the U.S.S. Pratt. He was honorably discharged from the Navy on July 21, 1946. Upon his discharge he returned to Mahaska County. On June 5, 1948, he was united in marriage to (Norma) Jean Myers at Oskaloosa. Jean died on December 20, 2009. Early on Keith and Jean moved to a farm near Peoria, where they farmed for a short time, before moving to a farm southwest of Rose Hill. In 1952, they moved onto the McCurdy farm near Rose Hill. Keith operated that farm until 1967, when they moved to their farm west of Oskaloosa. They owned and operated that farm until retiring in 1993. In addition to farming, Keith drove a school bus for the Oskaloosa Community School district for 19 years. He enjoyed driving the bus and interacting with the students. Keith believed in giving back to the agriculture community in Mahaska County. He gave selflessly of his time and talent to many organizations including, Mahaska County Cattleman, Mahaska County Pork Producers, I.S.U. Extension Council, Southern Iowa Fair Beef Superintendent, and ASCS County Committee and various other committees. He was a member of the American Legion. He enjoyed being on the farm, especially tending to his cows and calves. Camping at the Iowa State Fair was a long-time family tradition for Keith and his family. He always looked forward to 2:30 in the afternoon and heading in to McDonald’s for coffeetime with his friends. He delighted in spending time with his family. Keith’s family includes his two children, Judy (Tom) Stone of University Park and George (Sheila) Hunt of North English; five grandchildren, Kelli Stone-Smith, A.J. (Marie) Stone, Melissa Hunt, Kristin (Dion) Schminke, and Devin (Holly) Hunt; six great grandchildren, Aimee Smith, Justin Smith, Connor Stone, Maci Hunt, Jack Hunt, and Grayson Schminke; a brother, Kenneth Hunt of Lacey; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his wife, Keith was preceded in death by his parents, and a sister, Betty Madison. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, April 17, 2018, at 2 p.m. in the Bates Funeral Chapel in Oskaloosa with Pastor Alvern Boetsma officiating. Graveside Military Honors will be given by members of the Oskaloosa American Legion and V.F.W. Burial will be in the Forest Cemetery in Oskaloosa. The Bates Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. Visitation will begin after 11 a.m. Monday morning in the Bates Funeral Chapel and the family will be present from 5:30-7:30 to greet friends and relatives. Memorials may be made to the Mahaska County Cattleman Association.