Dr. Herbert Erwin Hunter passed peacefully in the early hours of June 20th, 2026, surrounded by family, after 92 years of adventure and love.
Herb was born June 11th, 1934, in Washington DC to Herbert C. and Anna Pauline Hunter, and spent most of his childhood in Bethesda. While attending the University of Maryland, he participated in the Civil Air Patrol, where he met Helen Shelhorse. Herb graduated, the pair married, and they then headed out west so that he could attend the California Institute of Technology for graduate school. They were expecting their first child within the year. When he finished his PhD in Aerodynamics four years later, he worked with the Air Force Ballistic Systems Division, receiving high honors. After leaving the service, he moved his now family of five to Massachusetts to work for Avco Corporation. He stayed busy, welcoming three more children and starting ADAPT Service Corporation.
This chapter of his life with Helen began to close as a new one opened. While Herb was out one night, he looked across the dance floor and the most beautiful woman he’d ever seen caught his eye – Jeanne. After dancing until dawn, he had his fairy tale moment: he knew he was already madly in love with her and that it was meant to be. They married in 1978, combining their families for a new total of ten children.
Herb and Jeanne moved to Huntsville, AL in 1983. He started a new position with Nichols Research Corporation. In 1994, Herb co-founded Applied Data Trends, Inc., where he worked until his retirement.
Herb and Jeanne’s spiritual community was Willowbrook Church, where Herb served as a deacon and Sunday School teacher. Talented hosts, they adored gathering the family for holidays spent playing music together, feasting, and laughing. The pair were also avid travelers. They went on adventures across the country in their RV and hopped on cruises that took them all over the world, drinking in all the sights and experiences they encountered. Most of all, echoing their first night together, they loved to dance. Ballroom, swing, the twist – they did it all, and were a marvel to watch.
As the years went on, Herb and Jeanne watched their children become grandparents. They grew old together. It is impossible to write an account of Herb’s life without it being the story of Jeanne’s as well, because they were soulmates that showed their multitudes of descendants what it meant to be a spouse, a family, a parent, and a friend. He strived to live his life how Jesus taught – loving unconditionally, generously giving of his time and treasure, and taking a pause to hold hands and thank Jesus for the blessing of being together.
Herb will be remembered for his love, patience, and kindness. He took care of anyone in the family that needed extra support and help. He was full of intellectual curiosity and wisdom. His mischievous smile, laced with his quick, dry wit, will be sorely missed.
He is now reunited with his parents, Herbert and Paula, and his beloved wife, Jeanne. He is survived by his children, Erwin Hunter (Dawn), David Hunter (Pam), Shirley Black (Eddie), Rick Kinsella (Michele), Patricia Sams (Ronnie), Dragon Hunter (Maria), Linda Markiewicz (Chet), Scott Macneil (Lucia), Katey Buckingham (Corey), and Phillip Kinsella; 38 grandchildren; and 32 great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be from 1 to 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at Laughlin Service Funeral Home. The funeral will follow at 2 p.m. in the chapel with Pastor Eric Kohler officiating. Burial will be in Valhalla Memory Gardens.
