Floyd Clare Hunter was born to Floyd Erwin and Alice (Minor) Hunter on April 29, 1921, in Greene County Iowa on the family farm west of Churdan and passed from this life May 16, 2019 at Thomas Rest Haven in Coon Rapids, Iowa. He lived his life to the age of 98 years 18 days.
As a child, Clare lived with his family on several farms in Greene County. He attended school in Churdan and Scranton and graduated from Jefferson High. He served in the U.S. Army in World War II for 39 months, primarily in the transportation corps stationed in Prince Rupert, British Columbia to support the war in the Pacific. He also played the euphonium baritone in the Army Band.
After the war he returned to Churdan, and on April 10, 1947, Clare and Wilma Clipperton were united in marriage at her family farm north of Churdan. After their marriage, they lived in Jefferson and then Ames where Clare attended Iowa State University. In 1948, his father-in-law retired and Clare pursued his desire for farming by operating the family farm. During that time, they raised their two children. Clare retired from fulltime farming in 1972.
In retirement, Clare and Wilma traveled to Camp Verde, AZ, where they served as volunteer staff for Rainbow Acres, a ranch for adults with developmental disabilities. For 18 years, Clare enjoyed being the resident handyman and locksmith as well as a chaperone for residents on trips. In 2009, they received the “Outstanding Service Award” from Rainbow Acres.
Clare met his goal of visiting all 50 states, as well as 11 countries including the Holy Land. This adventurous spirit also took him hiking the Grand Canyon at the age of 70.
Clare was dedicated as an infant at the First Baptist Church in Churdan and became a very active member. He served many years on church boards and as a deacon. Clare was also a member of the American Legion Post 198 for 70 continuous years and was the last living World War II veteran in the Churdan Legion.
Clare is survived by his children Dennis (Pauline) Hunter of Fort Dodge and Joanna (Billy Sammons) Hunter of Churdan; grandchildren Amy Kirkhart and Amanda (Dustin) Haggard, Brittany (Jason) Clark and Christopher (Cassie) Cerwick; great-grandchildren Paige, Peyton, Kadyn, Brock, Kamdyn, Karsyn, Quynton, Corbyn and Preslynn; former daughter-in-law Mary Cerwick; brother Donald (Eleanor) Hunter of West Virginia; and many nieces and nephews. Those who preceded him in death were Wilma his loving wife of 71 years, his parents and seven siblings.
A celebration of Clare’s life was held May 21 at the First Baptist Church in Churdan with Pastor Bobby Palmer, Rev. Gary Wagner, and Rev. Lowell Hoyle officiating. Rochelle Fagg and Renaye Lindgren accompanied the congregation singing “In the Garden”. Special music included Danille Curtis singing “Beyond the Sunset” and “Wings of a Dove”, along with a piano solo “Clare’s Song” by Billy Sammons.
Burial was made in the Highland Township Cemetery in Churdan with the Military Honor Guard from Camp Dodge and the Churdan American Legion. Serving as casket bearers were Charlie Paup, Tracy Hunter, Marc Hoyle, Peyton Mericle, Brock Mericle, Dustin Haggard and Jason Clark. Honorary casket bearers were Keith and Rhetta Wright and Clare’s local nieces and nephews including Margaret Wilt, Byron Paup, Harold Hoyle, Lyle Hoyle, Patty Kaufman, David Brody and Ann Meyer.
The family is assisted by Brown Funeral Home of Jefferson, 515-386-4125.
