Don Russell Hunter

Durham, NC

Don Russell Hunter, 92, of Durham, NC, passed away peacefully on May 9, 2026, at the Authoracare Hospice Home in Burlington, NC. His lifelong faith in Jesus Christ and love for his family sustained and comforted him across a long, satisfying, and happy life.

Don was born on March 1, 1934, in Donnellson, Iowa, to William Russell and Grace Elva Moore Hunter. The only child of a Presbyterian minister and wife, Don grew up in Hamilton, Clinton, and Chicago, Illinois.

Singing was a consistent theme throughout Don’s early life and young adulthood. “I loved to sing, and I was good at it,” he said. Across high school and college, he sang in church and school choirs, a barbershop quartet, and then a glee club. At the University of Dubuque, Don also played on the football team and was elected student body president in his senior year.

After graduating, Don enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and served for three years. Upon his return to civilian life, Don earned a law degree from the University of Michigan. He then married and moved to Seattle, Washington, to work for Boeing.

Throughout his career, Don also worked in real estate, for a college, and for Boeing’s computer services division. A highlight during his tenure at Boeing was helping to negotiate the Defense Department contract for the V-22 Osprey aircraft.

During their marriage, Don and his first wife adopted three children: Kristene, John, and David. Several years after his divorce, at age 40, Don married Brenda Morrison Larson Hunter and became a loving stepfather to her daughters, Kristen and Holly, then 6 and 8 years old. Don and Brenda enjoyed nearly 43 years of marriage until Brenda’s passing in 2017.

Don spent the final years of his life well cared for by his loving family. In May 2018, he shattered his ankle on a trip overseas, requiring extensive care and rehabilitation. He also battled dementia and various illnesses. Holly, Kristen, and their families cared for him devotedly for nine years–independently, in their homes, and in assisted living. During these years, Don relished simple pleasures: sitting in the sunshine, taking country drives, and enjoying numerous family meals and celebrations. Many will remember his kindness, sweetness, and good cheer, despite his cognitive and health challenges.

Don is survived by his stepdaughters, Holly (Rich) Larson Ennis and Kristen (Greg) Larson Blair; his grandson, Austin (Allie) Blair, and granddaughter, Katie Blair; his children, Kristene Chamberlin, John Hunter, and David Hunter–as well as grandchildren and great grandchildren from his first marriage.

The most appropriate end to Don’s obituary are his own words, spoken in a prayer while he was hospitalized and seriously ill on Christmas Day 2024. Even amid dementia, his faith in Jesus Christ, love for his Heavenly Father, and hope of eternal life remained remarkably clear and coherent.

“Father, thank you for all of the meaning we have from You and the love we have shared in You,” he prayed. “Death will not be forever.”

Arrangements under the care of Hall-Wynne Funeral Service. Online condolences at www.hallwynne.com; select obituaries.