Maurice W. Hunter

Maurice W. Hunter, age 97, passed away March 24, 2022 in Des Moines, Iowa.

Maury was born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and moved to Des Moines via Kansas City, Missouri while still quite young. He graduated from North High School, attended Texas A&M while in the service, and later attended Drake University. Maury served with the Army Air Corp during WWII from 1943-46 as a B-29 navigator in the Pacific. He was honorably discharged as a 1st Lieutenant.

Maury started Hunter Bed Manufacturing Company with his father around 1950 at Fort Des Moines, later moving the manufacturing facilities to Corning Avenue in Des Moines. Hunter Bed was the largest producer of steel frame spring beds in the country. He later worked for Stran Steel in Chariton and Eddie Walker Equipment Company in Des Moines before starting Funds ‘n Games with his wife Barbara Hanson Hunter in 1970.

Maury was heavily involved with Epworth Methodist Church in the Des Moines Highland Park area in the 1950’s and 60’s. He was leader of Cub Scout Pack 168 and Scout Master of Boy Scout Troop 68, both sponsored by the church.

He was actively involved in the Des Moines chapter of the Experimental Aircraft Association for many years and in the Young Eagle Program during the 1990’s. In that same time frame, Maury was also active in the North High Alumni Polar Bear Club.

He cared for his first wife, Barbara Hanson Hunter, during her extended illness with Alzheimer’s Disease and started a Men’s Support Group through the Des Moines Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association.

Maury is survived by his wife, Carolyn Yelenick Hunter of Des Moines; his son, Craig and wife Carolyn of Gainesville, VA; daughter, Karen Ellison and husband Bill Hovey of Urbandale; grandsons, Chris Swisher of Shenandoah Junction, WV, Dave Swisher of South Riding, VA, Michael Ellison of Marquette, IA, and Andy Ellison of North Liberty, IA. He is also survived by stepchildren, Rick Soutter and wife Missy of Baxter, Cathy Soutter of Des Moines, John Broich of Naperville, IL, Rick Broich of Denver, CO and 4 additional stepchildren; and numerous step-grandchildren and great-grandchildren

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Barbara Jean Hanson Hunter; second wife, Barbara Jane Broiche Hunter; his parents, Felix and Gladys Hunter; son, Scott; and sisters, Clio Sopher of Grinnell and Phyllis Ellsworth of Sunnyvale, CA.

A graveside service will be held Thursday, March 31, 2022 at 1:00 p.m. at Glendale Cemetery in Des Moines.

Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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