John Dee Hunt

John Dee Hunt, 96, of Sedalia passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Saturday, January 14, 2023, at his home. He was born on November 28, 1926 in Ingles, KS the son of John B. Hunt and Margaret (Gowens) Hunt, who preceded him in death.

On June 14, 1949 in Tipton, MO, he was united in marriage to Gertrude Irene Musslin who resides in the home.

John met the love of his life, Gertrude Musslin, while he was playing the guitar at a dance in Florence, MO. He asked her to dance which began a life time of faith, love, family, and music. After three years of marriage, John was drafted in the United States Army, serving his country honorably during the Korean War from 1952 until 1954. John was a member of St. Vincent de Paul Parish St. Patrick's Chapel. He worked as an automotive mechanic and was known for his expertise in front end alignments. John and Gertrude owned and operated John's Shell Station in Syracuse, MO, in the early 1960's. In 1964 he was transferred from Dodge City, KS to Sedalia to work as the Lead Mechanic and Service Manager at Montgomery Wards until they closed in 1985. John later worked for several other local auto shops until his retirement.

John enjoyed playing music, singing, going to fiddling contest, and loved to entertain family and friends all around the country including being featured guests at the Ted Mack amateur hour in Kansas City, MO. He and his wife would entertain the troops with their music and song while he was stationed in West Virginia. John loved and cared for many different animals through out his childhood and into adulthood. Above anything else, his greatest love was spending time with family, grand-children and great-grandchildren. John was known as "Honest John" he was the most honest, kind, and sweet soul with strong faith. He would give the shirt off his back, doing anything for anyone.

Along with his wife, John is survived by three daughters, Theresa R. Eads (the late Richard) of Florence, MO, Loretta J. Nye of Green Ridge, MO, and Monica E. Holman (Gary) of Sedalia; nine grandchildren, Rose Martin (Roy), Jessica Craig (Brandon), Timothy L. Nye, Andrew "AJ" Nye, Kimberly Nye (Adrian), Mallory Knight (Bret), Gavin Holman (Destiny), Maggie Craig (Daniel), and Mylanna Holman (Victor); nine great-grandchildren, Dylan, Ashlee, McKinzey, Savannah, Elliott, Celestial, Bethany, Ryder, and Colten; several cousins, nieces, and nephews.

In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by a son, Lawrence "Shorty" Hunt; two brothers, Jack and Virgil Spaulding, a sister, Beuna Fisher, and a son-in-law, Richard Eads.

Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, January 23, 2023, at St. Vincent de Paul Parish St. Patrick's Chapel with Father Cesar Anicama officiating.

Prayers of the Rosary will be held at 12:00 p.m. Sunday, January 22, 2023 with a visitation to follow until 2:30 p.m. at Rea Funeral Chapel.

Burial will be at Highland Sacred Gardens, Sedalia, MO.

Pallbearers will be Gary Holman, Gavin Holman, Tim Nye, Roy Martin, Dylan Martin, and Brandon Craig.

Honorary bearers will be Mike Harrison, Matt Smith, Mike Cuba, Vicky Futscher, Jeff Ransdell, and Grand and Great Grandkids.

In lieu of flowers and plants memorial contributions may be made to the family in the care of Rea Funeral Chapel.