Donald Hunter, 72, passed away at his home north of Hemingford on September 18, 2026.
Don was born on February 21, 1954, to Richard D. and Dorothy K. (Breckner) Hunter, and was one of six children. Through eighth grade, Don attended what was fondly called the “Dam School”, officially known as District 47, near his family’s home north of the Box Butte Reservoir. At the start of his freshman year, Don was enrolled at Hemingford High School, from where he graduated in 1972. He attended Chadron State College for a time prior to returning home to begin a career in agriculture.
Don’s biggest and best venture began when Sherry Dufek entered his life. They were married at the United Methodist Church in Hemingford on September 26, 1981, beginning a partnership that would last almost 40 years, during which time they were rarely apart. Together, they built a highly successful farming and livestock operation. In later years as they began to shift gears towards retirement, they enjoyed frequent trips to the Black Hills, spending many a weekend in Deadwood. Don could often be found holding court at the Franklin Hotel, where he and Sherry became friends with staff members and fellow guests alike.
Though Don and Sherry had no children of their own, they were near and dear to the children of their many friends. One of Don’s favorite pastimes was deer hunting season, and there were few things he enjoyed more than the hours of driving around in a pickup truck with the “kids”, looking for the next big buck. A good number of young people have happy memories of bagging their first deer with Don proudly looking on.
Those who knew Don best would agree that the ever-present sparkle in his eye left him when Sherry unexpectedly passed away on a warm and sunny day in May of 2021. He did his best to keep moving forward, but it was hard not to feel that he was just biding his time until he could be with her again. It is comforting to know that they are together once more, onto their next great adventure.
Don is survived by his siblings, Gary (Sandra) Hunter, David Hunter, Susan (Stephen) Reams, and Anne (Arthur) Smith, as well as his mother in-law, Donna Dufek. He was preceded in death by his wife, Sherry, along with his parents, Richard and Dorothy Hunter, his brother, Robert Hunter, and his father in-law, Dallas Dufek.
Memorials may be made to the Hemingford Volunteer Fire Department or Bobcats Beating Cancer.
Details for a memorial service will be announced at a later date.
Online condolences may be left at www.batesgould.com with Bates-Gould Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.