Obituary: F. Dean Hunger

F. Dean Hunger "Grandpa" Kaysville Lt. Col Francis Dean Hunger, USAF retired, age 76, passed away Sunday, February 5, 2006 surrounded by his family after enduring a courageous and valiant battle with cancer. He was born August 16, 1929 in Lehi, Utah, the only son of Francis Adolph and Ethel Southwick Hunger. Dean grew up on the family farm, graduated from Lehi High School, attended Utah State University, and then graduated from Brigham Young University in 1954. Dean met his bride Helen Easton while at BYU, and they were married December 28, 1955, in the St. George Temple. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary recently with their entire family. Dean proudly served his country as a pilot in the United States Air Force for 28 years, including a tour of duty in Vietnam. Following his retirement, he stayed close to the aviation industry as a corporate pilot for Grand Central (Fred Meyer), as a security consultant for Western Airlines, and as Vice-President and Manager of Interwest Jet Center. He also spent eight years working for Salt Lake County as an aircraft specialist /assessor, and several more years counseling students and teaching at the DATC in Kaysville. Dean was a devout member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where he served faithfully in numerous positions, including a full-time mission to New Zealand. He and Helen were instrumental in the growth of the church in Spain during a three year tour of duty in Madrid. They also enjoyed many years of hosting at the Joseph Smith Memorial Building. Dean served as a Bountiful Temple ordinance worker for eight years. He was honored to receive the Award of Merit from the Francis Peak District (BSA). Dean is survived by Helen, his loving wife of 50 years, and by four children and their spouses: Nancy and Brent Farnes of Bountiful; Dean and Shelli Hunger of Kaysville; Suzanne and James Shaw of Pleasant View; and Doug and Danielle Hunger of Kaysville. Two children, Amy Elizabeth and Francis Neal, preceded him in death. He is also survived by 15 grandchildren, two great-grand-children, and by sisters Glenda (Keith) Carlson, Raelene (Don) Hansen, and Merlyn Hunger. Dean loved his family and the many hours spent with them in his "Garden of Eden" in Kaysville. The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude for the loving care provided by the staff of Utah Cancer Specialists and particularly Dr. Klein, the nursing and CNA staff at Lakeview Hospital, the nurses of Vista Care Hospice, and to our angel Bobbi. Their dignified and sensitive care was a tremendous blessing to our family. Funeral services will be held Friday, Feb. 10, 11:00 a.m., at the Crestwood Chapel, 1039 E. Crestwood Rd, Kaysville. Viewings will be held Thursday, Feb. 9 from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m., at Russon Brothers Mortuary, 1941 North Main St. Farmington (across from Cherry Hill), and on Friday from 9:45 -10:45 a.m. at the Crestwood Chapel. Interment at Kaysville City Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Huntsman Cancer Institute or to the Boy Scouts of America, Francis Peak District. Online guest book at www.russonmortuary.com