Charles Howard Hunter
Charles Howard Hunter, 87, of Clearwater, FL departed this life on May 3, 2008 under Hospice Care. A native of Urich, Missouri, he was the son of Charles McCager Hunter and Ruth Benezet Hunter.
He was a decorated US Navy World War II pilot, who received the Distinguished Flying Cross and Four Air Medals for his pre/post invasion photographs of Iowa Jima taken from his aircraft. Prior to his war time service, Howard attended St.Mary’s College, Maraga, California and Drury College, Springfield, Missouri. After World War II, Howard pursued a career in the theatre. For many years, he was the Resident Director of the Barter Theatre, the State Theatre of Virginia, where many noteworthy personalities were learning their trade, including Gregory Peck, Ernest Borgnine, Patricia Neal, Ned Beatty and Diane Cilento Mrs. Sean Connery. He preformed at the Metropolitan Opera, New York City, and the Elitch Gardens Theatre, Denver, Colorado, where he directed an aspiring actress, Grace Kelly.
During the “Hallmark Playhouse” years, Howard consulted with host James Hilton, author of “Goodby Mr. Chips” and “Lost Horizon”. He co-authored dramas with Eric Blore and Betsy Beaton, author of “The Boy with Green Hair”. These plays including “Scribblers Three” were later produced at the Barter Theatre. Subsequently, he was the founder/director of the Playhouse Dinner Theatre and the Independence Playhouse, both in Charlotte, North Carolina.
In 1997, Howard attended the grand opening of the new Globe Theatre in London, England as a member of the “1000 Club”, which included the 1000 original patrons who, in support of Sam Wanamaker, engineered the recent rebuilding of Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre on the banks of the Thames.
In recent years, Howard worked in international food brokerage enterprises with Shirley K. Smith and Sons and the Rogers-American Company in Charlotte, North Carolina. In 1998, he and his wife retired to Sand Key in Clearwater, Florida where they enjoyed family life and many amenities including the magnificent sunsets.
He is survived by his wife of fifty years, Jacqueline Hunter, a daughter, Katherine Hunter Behler and a grandson, Jacob Carl Behler. Burial and full military honors will take place at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia at 1:00 PM on June 26, 2009.
Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider the Episcopal Church of Ascension, Clearwater, Florida or the Hospice of the Florida Suncoast.
Veterans Funeral Care
Clearwater, Florida
1-800-467-7850
We remember Howard as an extraordinary man of many talents who was such a loving and caring friend. His family and church meant the world to him, and his many friends will miss him so much. Thinking of Jackie, Kate, and Jakey will love and sympathy.
Libby and Frank Helms
An impressive biograpy..well-done!
I will miss Howard so much! Truly a Renaissance man, he always made me feel so special.Also saw the “One True Love” piece in the Times. Loved it!
Deepest sympathy and love to Jackie, Kate, and Jakey!
Mary Will
I wish you the best and offer my condolences to you and your family.
Our condolencesto you and your family.
Howard played a role of his own creation enabling a wonderful union between his family and mine to blossom into a unique bond of loving friendship,respecting and enjoying each other’s interests and cultures in the U.S. and the U.K. A patient and attentive host, he made me ever welcome on visits to his home giving priority to my happiness and comfort. As a guest here in England he was equally gracious and appreciative of our hospitality. I offer my love to Jackie, Kate and Jakey,sharing their loss and importantly many happy memories.
Howard Hunter was one of the most gracious and finest men I’ve ever known. We love him dearly.
Tina Gilbert Hough
Howard will be greatly missed by his friends at South Beach 1460.
My deepest sympathy to Jackie, Kate and Jacob.
I was so sorry to learn of Howard’s death. I extend much love to all of you. Howard certainly lived a full life.
Dear Kate,
I’m so sorry to hear of your father’s passing. What an interesting life he experienced! May you keep his memory close to you and pass it on to Jacob so that your father’s spirit lives on. We at Shorecrest are thinking about you and hope that you and your Mother find comfort in each other. Fondly, Teri
Jackie,
I am so sorry to learn of your loss. What an impressive write up about your husband! I am so glad you got to spend a few retirement years together in Sand Key. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your daughter.
Susan Geraghty
A dear friend
Dearest Jackie, Kate and Jakey,
Phil and I extend our deepest sympathy to you.
I had the pleasure of knowing Howard and after reading his memorial now realize what a modest man he was. He was truly amazing. I remember his kindness and how he showed what a wonderful husband , father and grandfather he was to Jackie, Kate and Jakey.
He always made me feel so special when I talked with him. What a wonderful man to have in my memories.
I love you Jackie, and hope that your memories will help to brighten up your days . Betsy
Memories of Howard and Jackie and Kate and little Jakie are such fond memories of good neighbors and friends at the beach. Howard’s love of little “Minibelle” showed such a gentle side of this extraordinary man. He was truly “one of a kind” and will be missed. Jules and I both extend our sincere sympathy to Jackie, Kate and Jake on the loss of this fine husband, father and grandfather.
Dear Jackie and Kate,
Please know that I am thinking of you with empathy, sympathy, and love as I read the wonderful tributes to Howard and remember all of you so fondly. All of the Country Day family grieves with you and will be sending prayers your way as you celebrate Howard’s life and mourn his death in the coming days. May you feel our hugs all the way to Arlington and back. Fondly, Julia
Jackie and Kate, I remember writing you when your Mary C. died. Life is a series of losses, isn’t it? If we had known all we know now when we began our teaching careers, would we have been better teachers? We might have ached too much, knowing how brief and precious life is and seeing what our charges could not know. I am deeply sad for your loss, but glad you had as I did one so worthy of your love.