Obituary:

Stephen Edward Hunter, Sr. (Steve) was born on October 14, 1946.  He was the son of James R. and Lillian Hunter.  He went home to be with the Lord on November 8, 2013.

Stephen married his high school sweetheart Charlotte D.  Thomas.  He was the proud father of their four children: Judge Tracie M.  Hunter, Edward L. Hunter (deceased), Erica M. Hunter-Scott (Antonio) and Stephen E. Hunter, Jr.

Stephen attended St. Martin de Porres Elementary and St. Martin de Porres High School.  Baptized as a child by Father Borski, he grew to love the Lord at an early age.  He was raised in the Catholic faith and served as an altar boy while in school.

As a child, be worked as a paperboy, learning to always rise early and be disciplined.  He enlisted in the United States Army in High School and valiantly served his country as a soldier in the Vietnam War from October 1965 to September 1967.  A scout and dog handler, in combat, Stephen spent much time forging ahead of his infantry and paving the way through the jungle of Vietnam alone.  He was honorably discharged in 1977.

Upon returning to the United States, Stephen worked for the Ford Motor Company, following in the footsteps of his father, one of the first African-American foremen.  Steve retired from Ford after a devoted career spanning over 30 years.  After appeals to the Ohio State Legislature, be was amongst the first combat zone Vietnam Vets to be awarded a High School Diploma in a military salute from Princeton High School on behalf of the members of the House of Representatives of the
126'h General Assembly of Ohio.

Stephen is a founding member of the United States Army Museum and President William Clinton Museum.  Stephen is best remembered as a hard-working, dedicated man who instilled an invaluable work ethic in his children.  His daughter, Judge Hunter remembers that whenever he asked if she had homework and she said no, he responded, ''you always have homework." This was one of many life lessons be would instill in his children that would impact them forever.  In former years, be loved to spend Sunday afternoons on the Ohio River on his Father-In-Law's houseboat or traveling across the country with his wife and children Erica and Stephen, Jr., competing in the Cincinnati All Stars Track Club.

Stephen was devoted to his family and protective of his children.  Together he and wife Charlotte raised their four children and niece, Gershila, to excel.  Academics were a priority in the Hunter household and Stephen sacrificed to ensure that all of his children acquired great educations.  He was proud that all of his children received post-secondary degrees, including a JD, BS and two BAs in law, computer engineering and business.

Stephen leaves to mourn his passing his devoted wife and children, loving sister Mattie Bea Payton (Kevin), Rev.  Richard Hunter (Elizabeth), Michael Hunter, 5 grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends.  He was preceded in death by his son Edward, parents, and Grandmother Mattie Collins.  Ever loyal to his family, he cared for his grandmother, Mattie Collins, and parents during lengthy illnesses.