Warren Gene Hunter, Sr. of Huntsville, Alabama passed away peaceably Monday June 12, 2017 at the age of 90. Gene was born to Annie and Hugh Hunter on March 20, 1927 in Birmingham, Alabama. He graduated from Phillips High School in 1945. Gene enlisted in the U.S. Navy after graduation. After leaving the Navy, he attended the University of Alabama where he was a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity. He graduated from Alabama in 1951 with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering.
While at Alabama, Gene met the love of his life, Susanne Browne. Gene and Susanne were married on September 8, 1951, and they enjoyed 64 wonderful years together. They made their home in Huntsville, Alabama where Gene started his career as a mechanical engineer with the U.S. Army Ballistic Missile Command.
Gene was involved in the development of ground support equipment for the Redstone and Jupiter ballistic missile systems. While working for NASA at the Marshall Space Flight Center, he was instrumental in the design and development of toxic fuel equipment for the space vehicles. He also worked (at Marshall) as a member of the technical staff for the Launch Support Division of the Kennedy Space Center where he was involved in many facets of the development of the Saturn V space vehicle.
After retirement, Gene enjoyed spending time with his family, playing golf, and the building and flying of remote control model aircraft. One of his favorite pastimes was watching Alabama football.
Gene was preceded in death by his wife, Susanne Browne Hunter. Survivors include his son, Warren Hunter (Nancy) of Huntsville, Alabama; daughter, Susan Harski (Richard) of Huntsville, Alabama; and grandchildren, Sarah Garrett (Jeremy) of Madison, Alabama, Allison Longshore of Huntsville, Alabama, and William Longshore, III of Montgomery, Alabama.
A graveside service will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, June 16 at Maple Hill Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made to Hospice Family Care at 3304 Westmill Drive, Huntsville, Alabama 35805, (https://www.hospicefamilycare.org/donate.aspx).
