Bishop Howard J. Hunt

Bishop Howard J. Hunt of Minford, Ohio, departed this life to be with his Lord at the age of 85, on May 27th, 2012, surrounded by his wife and children. Born May 24, 1927, in New Boston, Ohio, he was the son of the late Orville and Myrtle Stacy Hunt. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sisters, Jesse Johnson, Kathleen Payton, Georgia Lambert, Verna Gilley, Virginia Williams, one brother, Claude Copeland and a granddaughter, Malea Nicole Stewart. He was the last surviving member of his immediate family. Survivors include his faithful and loving wife of 65 years and 7 months, Anna Lucille Gardner Hunt. Two daughters, Deborah Elaine Stewart and husband, Bob of Pineville, West Virginia, and Lou Ann Hunt Leighty and husband Douglas of Dillsburg, Pennsylvania. Four grandchildren, Kimberly Cline and husband, Steve of Pineville, West Virginia, Devon Leighty and wife, Jessica of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Sharaya Leighty and her fiancAC. Aaron Bond of Dillsburg, Pennsylvania and Logan Leighty of Dillsburg, Pennsylvania. Three great grandchildren, Taylor Stewart , Benjamin and Garrett Bailey all of Pineville, West Virginia, one brother-in-law, Jack Williams, of Wheelersburg, Ohio, and a host of other family, friends and extended church family. He served in the United States Marine Corp during World War II. He was a graduate of Bible Training Institute. He worked for AK Wheelers Grocery and Detroit Steel before going into the Ministry. He joined the Church of God of Prophecy and began his ministry in 1949. He was ordained Bishop in the Church of God of Prophecy in 1963 while in Indiana. He served the church as a Youth Director, Youth Camp Director, District Overseer, State Secretary and Pastor. While serving as Pastor in Indianapolis, Indiana, he was named "Pastor of the year" in 1962. He was appointed as State overseer and served 29 years over 6 states including, Indiana, Oklahoma, West Virginia, South Carolina, Pennsylvania and Michigan. He was honored to serve on the Question and Subject Committee of the Church for 16 years. To some people he was simply, Howard, to some he was daddy or poppa, to others he was PaPaw, he was also referred to as "Uncle Buddy", but to anyone who ever had the privilege of meeting him, he was known as " friend". He was a very humble, kind and compassionate person who had a shepherd's heart and preached the word of God and believed in all that the Bible and the Church stood for. He will be greatly missed by his wife and children, but to be absent from the body is to be present with Lord. Services will be 1:00 Thursday, May 31, 2012 at at the New Boston Church of God of Prophecy, located in New Boston, Ohio, with Bishop Ray Paul Payne officiating. Entombment will be at Memorial Burial Park with Military Graveside honors conducted by Wm.A. Baker, Post 363 and James Irwin, Post 622, American Legion. The family will receive visitors on Wednesday from 6:00 until 9:00pm at the Church. Pallbearers will be, Bob Stewart, Devon Leighty, Steve Cline, David Payton , Steve Williams, Roger Payton, and Honorary Pallbearer, Logan Leighty. The family would like to thank Hospice for their kindness and support during this time of loss and a special thank you to his nurse, Monica. Arrangements are under the direction of D.W. Swick Funeral Home of New Boston. Condolences to dwswickfuneralhome.com.