Robert Dean Hunter of Sheridan, Wyoming passed away on Friday, November 15, 2013 at St. Vincent's Hospital in Billings, MT, of natural causes.

Per Robert's request there will be a small family service held at a later date. Arrangements are with Champion Ferries Funeral Home.

Robert was born February 13, 1953 in Buffalo, Wyoming to parents Bob and JoAnn (Spainhower) Jones. He attended Casper and Sheridan schools graduating from Sheridan High School in 1971. After graduation he enlisted in the Marine Corps, served in Vietnam and was awarded the Navy Achievement Medal with Combat "V".

He graduated from Sheridan College in 1975, the University of Wyoming in 1978, and attended the University of London.

Robert's work history includes more than 20 years at Spring Creek Coal, along with time at Sheridan County Road and Bridges, Sheridan County Airport, and he was currently employed at the V.A. Medical Center.

Robert was married to Teresa (Wright) Hunter for forty years. He is the father of Dr. Ian J. (Crissy) Hunter and Jennifer M. (David) Craft. He has seven grandchildren: Britni, Krissy, Casey, Paige, Haley, Tori, and Blake, all of Sheridan, Wyoming.

He is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren, mother, brothers (Mark and Troy), sisters (Dolly, Valerie, Marcie, and Punkie), and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Always known for his humor and practical jokes, he had several alternate personas including Santa Clause and the "bum of 27th street." His humor was complimented by his kind and generous heart. Robert lived simply and gave more than he kept. Whether bringing home animals or taking extra time to be a part of so many lives, he understood that relationships define a person's life.

Robert was an avid elk hunter, loved to fish, write, and garden. His fantasy football team, Whistling Elk, was hard to beat. A lifelong learner and historical buff, one of his greatest joys in life was spending summers as a Historical Interpreter at the Little Bighorn Battlefield. He loved to do anything in the Big Horn Mountains, but most treasured was the time he spent with his family.

The fifth generation of his family to be born in Wyoming, he often spoke of his ancestors setting fence posts at Fort Phil Kearny. He was Wyoming "through and through" and "could never live anywhere else."

SheridanMedia.com - November 18, 2013.