Willdean Hunt, of Bennington, made the journey to his final resting place on the early morning of June 21, 2012, at his home.

Willdean “Willie” was born November 10, 1934, in Salina, to John W. Hunt Jr. and Stella M. (Christ) Hunt, the first born male to his family of one brother, three sisters and one half sister from his father’s previous marriage to Marie M. Beichle.

He was united in marriage to Ann J. Polson, of Lindsborg, on April 26, 1952, a 59-year union that produced three sons and one daughter.

Willdean worked many occupations, beginning as a mill worker for Shellabargers in Salina, during which time he enlisted in the National Guard in 1952, where he served until 1955, leaving the service in the rank of E-5 Sgt. He later worked for Pepsi-Cola Bottling Co. as a route driver, Fairmont Foods as a milkman, was part owner/bartender at Country Cuzzins with his wife, Ann, and worked for ADM Milling as a grain miller, where he retired in 1997. He spent six to seven of his retirement years working at Renzenberger before returning to his retirement. He was a member of the VFW Post 1432 Men’s Auxiliary, and also was a member of the American Legion Post 62 (Sons of the American Legion), in Salina.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Ann J. Hunt; two sisters; Evelyn M. Hunt-Tolson-Bates-George and Ruth Arlene Hunt; a half sister, Mabel Hunt-Berkley-McFarland; one son; Robert D. Hunt; one grandson, John William (Baby Boy) Hunt; and a great-grandson, Clayden L. Urbanek.

He is survived by sons; Richard (Kay) Hunt, of Lake Havasu, Ariz., Michael (Laura) Hunt, of Ellsworth; a daughter, Tamatha Hunt-Betzold-Lewis, of Bennington; a brother; Donald Hunt of Abilene; a sister, Phyllis Hunt-Brown, of Minneapolis; eight grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren.

The body will be cremated. Graveside services for Willdean and his wife, Ann Hunt, who passed away June 9, 2011, will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, June 30, 2012, at Gypsum Hill Cemetery, Salina, followed by a dinner at VFW Post 1432, Salina. The family asks that any donations be made to support theAmerican Heart Association. Ryan Mortuary, Salina, is handling arrangements.