"Kate I have fond memories of Jason. He was always ready to help out others. He was kind enough to help me move into my house in Kirksville. He will always have a special place in my heart as a brother Phi Delt. I will keep you and your children in my thoughts and prayers. I am sorry that we lost contact over the years and remember how supportive you were to Jason when I knew you at BSU. I hope God gives you strength to continue the fine things you and Jason were doing in raising your family. Love and prayers Doc"
In loving memory of
Jason Hunt
November 8, 2012
Jason Hunt, 37, of 815 Washington Street in Canton, Mo., was welcomed into Heaven on Wednesday, November 7, 2012 from Barnes Hospital in St. Louis. He was born November 22, 1974 in Muncie, Indiana, the son of Mary Jo Hunt and Greg Hunt.
Jason married his best friend, Kate Van Gilder on October 13, 2001 in St. Francis Catholic Church.
He attended Quincy public schools where he was active in Boy Scouts. He was a 1993 graduate of Quincy High School where he played football. Jason graduated in 1997 from Ball State University, and made lifelong "roadie" friends there with his Phi Delta Theta fraternity brothers.
He had a longtime involvement with the family business, helping run Ashley Furniture in Quincy.
Jason battled kidney issues, and was blessed with a transplant in 2000. When he was 10, Jason told his mother he wanted as many children as he'd be able to afford. He overcame doctors' concerns that he might never be a dad. Jason went on to father five children with Kate, the love of his life.
Jason was more than a father, husband, brother and son. He was a friend who never met a stranger and his love for those close to him had no bounds. He enjoyed family time, music and sports and was a huge St. Louis Cardinals fan. Jason was a man of compassion, courage and character.
In addition to his wife Jason is survived by four children, Oscar, Abe, Nora and Atticus of the home; his parents, Mary Jo Hunt and Greg and Mary Faith Hunt of Quincy; a sister Jessica Hunt of Quincy; a grandfather, Carter Hunt of Fort Smith, AR.; mother and father in law, Bruce and Kathy Van Gilder of Indiana; a brother in law Joe Van Gilder and a sister in law Kelley (Alan) Van Gilder Treado and their children Cole and Grace. He is also survived by numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.
Jason was preceded in death by a son, Thomas Beckett Hunt; maternal grandmother Mabel White and paternal grandmother Shirl Hunt.
Services: Monday, November 12, 2012 at 9:00 a.m. in St. Francis Solanus Church with the Rev. James Wheeler, O.F.M. officiating.
Visitation: Sunday, November 11, 2012 from 2-6 p.m. in Hansen-Spear Funeral Home.
Memorials: The Hunt Children Education Fund
www.hansenspear.com
Hansen-Spear Funeral Directors are in charge of arrangements.
Tributes
"Hey Jason, We really didn't have a lot of time to hang out. But working for you and your company, I made the determination that you were one cool hombre. i just left you a message today."
"Wow, how can you not smile watching that slideshow! You can just see the blessing and amazing father and husband that he was! You had more with Jason in 12 years than many have in 50! I'm still praying for you all but I know Kate that you are going to be fine, you will keep his memory alive and you all will be fine. Blessings to you all!!!"
"Keeping you all in our prayers and thoughts. The photos made me cry and smile at the same time."
"Jason was a very friendly & out going guy. The first time I met Jason & Kate I knew they were a great couple & were going to be great neighbors. We will miss him. My only regrett is that I only knew him for a short while. Kate & the kids will be in our prayers."
"Kate, There are just no words to say when the heart is so full of sadness. My prayers are with you, Oscar, Abe, Nora, Atticus and Jason. Peace be with all of you."
"Words cannot express how saddened we are to hear of Jason's death. He always had a special place in my heart as a happy and hard working third grader at Monroe School. I truly enjoyed watching him grow into the fine man he became. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this very sad time. Chuck and Meg"
"Jason was an amazing person that was very friendly & out going. I could tell the first time I met Jason & Kate that they were a great couple & were going to be great neighbors. I will miss him & our hearts go out to Kate & the kids."
"We are praying with you, Kate, and the children. Also for your Mom & Dad. We know that God provides peace that passes all understanding. We speak it over y'all now."
"I had the fun of being Jason's football coach at the YMCA when he was in grade school. He was part of a successful team that had lots of good times. I am saddened by his passing. Please know that he and his family will be in my thoughts and prayers."
"Kate and family, we are so sorry and saddened to hear of your loss. All of you are in our thoughts and prayers."
"I was truly shocked and depressed after hearing about your trajic loss. It was very obvious how deeply he loved his family. He will be missed."
"I was so sad when I learned the loss of Jason. My heart aches so bad for the whole family and each are in my thoughts and prayers. Jason was my neighbor and friend. I always enjoyed listening to him rant about politics, as he and I usually always agreed. Jason will be missed."
"Kate we are so sorry for your loss. Jason, from all accounts was a wonderful husband, father and all around great person. You and your entire family are in our prayers...God Bless all of you and cherish the memories."
"Kate we are so sorry for your loss. We have heard so many wonderful things about Jason and his love for life...the Cards too! You and your family are in our prayers. Your family is a wonderful support system for you in the times ahead...cherish the memories. God Bless you and yours."
"We are praying for all of you. We are so very sorry. Please know that we love you and that we care."
"I was greatly saddened to learn of Jason's death. My heart goes out to you and your family at this time. You must miss him very much. I was in several classes with Jason growing up. He was a very bright student in school. He had his hand up more then down. May happy memories carry you through this sorrowful time AND may angels walk with you today and always."
"I was deeply saddened when I heard the tragic news. Jason and Kate were the greatest of neighbors and Jason was an upstanding family man a beautiful family. Thomas and Jason go before, to prepare a home in heaven for his family. God Bless their home."
"We will continue praying for strength for all of you. Jason was a great man and your marriage was amazing to all around you. If you need anything, please let us know."
"My heart aches for the families. So very sorry for your loss."
"Kate: This week has been so hard, we have said so many prayers. We cannot tell you how saddened we are by this loss. What a truly excellent father and husband Jason was! We pray for God's strength for you and the kids. You will always be in our prayers..."
"I'm so sorry for your loss, he will be missed by all that knew him. Always seemed to have a great smile and outlook on many things. Thoughts and prayers to his family and close friends."
"I am so very, very sorry to hear about your beloved husband. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family ."
"jason was truely a great person. Kate please know at this time, that I am praying for you and your children. Keep your faith and find strength in God at this time. I worked with Jason for around 5 years and really remember all the laughs he brought into the workplace. When I first met Katie and Jason, I remember thinking to myself, "Now these two have it all figured out." The love truely was amazing to see between the two of you. God bless you during your time of sorrow. We may have lost a great man, but at the same time, God just gained an amazing soldier."
"I have many fond memories of Jason while having many classes together in school. This entire family is in my prayers. So sorry to hear of the loss."
"Dear Kate, My heart goes out to you & your family. Please know that I am holding you in thought and prayer as you move through this difficult time. May God comfort and guide you."
"Jason's childhood antics (swim team mooning comes to mind!) with my brothers and his enduring friendship years later will not be forgotten. Blessings to you and your family."
"Mary Jo, there is no greater loss than that of a child. My heart and my love is with you."
"I had the pleasure and honor of meeting Jason when he came into the station where I work shortly after he moved to Canton. I knew from there this was a guy I was going to enjoy talking to as a regular customer. Unfortunately that was the only time I had the chance to speak with him. He had invited me to his home and regretfully I never made it. Even tho I only spoke with him that one time I honestly can say I'm gonna miss him. GOD Bless kind sir my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family."
"Dear Greg and Mary Faith, We are so saddened to hear of Jason's death. There are no words to heal the sudden loss of one's child. We send our sympathy and hope that his wonderful children will be a comfort to you in the coming years! Love, Mike and Peg"
"Jason... We will never agree that the cardinals are better than the reds...or that it's more important to have a number four power hitter than a lead off.....but I will say this...you have had a role in my life that I will always cherish... I love you bro... Damn... You will be missed..."
"So very sorry for your loss. Jason was a treasure,one of the nicest young men we knew. He loved life and his family. He will missed by all but you have beautiful memories to last forever. Our prayers and thoughts are with all the family."
"Dear Kate, When Eric text-ed that his friend Jason was in the hospital for an emergency operation and requested prayer for him, I counted it as a privilege to do so. I was sad to hear that Jason passed away and continue to pray for you and your children. May God comfort and keep you as you grieve for your loss."
"I'm so sorry for your loss, he was a truly amazing person and he will be missed by all who knew him."
"I grew up down the street from Jason and Jessica. My heart goes out to his family. He was a great guy and will be missed."