John Douglas Hunsaker, 58, of Hurst, passed away Thursday, November 19, 2020, at Herrin Hospital, surrounded by his loving children.
Private family services will be held.
The family prefers memorial contributions be made to the family.
John was born January 6, 1962, in Herrin, to Glenn and Evelyn Irene (Chapman) Hunsaker.
He is survived by his daughter, Jamie (Bill) Gibbs of Johnston City; son, John (Sadie)
Hunsaker of Melissa, Texas; brother, Glenn “Butch” (Renae) Hunsaker of Carterville; sisters, Sharon “Sherry” Hindman of Herrin, Denise (Dave) Sweetin of Paulton, and Marsha Hunsaker of Hurst; grandchildren, Carson, Austin, Landon, and Emersyn Hunsaker, and Brayden, Aleeha and Zane Gibbs; wife of 16 years and mother of his children, Lisa Hunsaker of Johnston City; numerous nieces and nephews; his beloved dogs, Gizmo, Ruby and Bingo; and his favorite grand-cat, Jinks.
John was preceded in death by his parents and brother-in-law, Dave Hindman.
He retired from the Veteran’s Airport of Southern Illinois, formerly known as Williamson County Regional Airport, after 30 years of service as the Maintenance Supervisor.
John was a RC model airplane enthusiast who also enjoyed metal detecting, sprint car races, rebuilding vintage bicycles, camping and deer hunting. In his spare time, John was seen at SIU-Carbondale basketball games where he flew the “blimp” during all home games for nearly 10 years. John was a member of the Southern Illinois Metal Detecting Association and the Sky Squires RC Club.
A special message from his children: In the midst of our grief, we are crying. On the other side, an Angel is flying. Although you are no longer here, our hearts are aching; but deep down inside, we know it’s your show and it was time to close the curtains. The memories we have will always be cherished. Your personality and demeanor were contagious. There was never a time you couldn’t make someone laugh. You were the best at one-liner jokes and quick comebacks. Pizza Guru’s had nothing on you. Talents and hobbies were never an issue. You finessed extraordinary when building and flying RC model planes. Always taking home top prizes. Most would classify you as the best around. You were a natural cat caller, never leaving a cat a stray. Your dogs adored you and never left your side. But most of all, 7 little humans who loved you dearly, named their favorite hero, Papa John. This was the best accomplishment of all. Until we meet again! We love you and miss you dad, Jamie and John Boy!
To send flowers
to the family or plant a tree
in memory of John Douglas Hunsaker, please visit our floral store.