Dates
Jon David Hunter, 53, of San Angelo, Texas, passed away peacefully in his sleep on April 15, 2025, at his home.
Jon was born on February 8, 1972, in Tyler, Texas, to Travis Wayne Hunter and Kay Michelle Brown Hunter Harrison. Shortly after his birth, the family moved to Big Spring, Texas, where Jon grew up alongside his siblings, James Hunter and Milena Hunter Newell.
On December 16, 1993, Jon married Rachel Gipson in Big Spring, Texas. Together they raised four children and shared many years of life and family. They later went their separate ways in 2016 but remained connected through their children.
He began his career working at Big Spring State Hospital before answering a new calling in law enforcement. After attending the police academy, Jon and his family relocated to Odessa, where he served proudly with the Midland County Sheriff's Department. Due to health complications, Jon eventually stepped away from law enforcement, and the family returned to Big Spring.
Jon later met and married Rita Kay Crelia Dodson. They were married on May 12, 2023, in San Angelo, Texas.
Music was one of Jon’s greatest passions. A talented guitarist with a deep appreciation for all styles—from country to Christian rock to speed metal—Jon played in several bands throughout his life and even gave guitar lessons from home. He had an incredible ear for music and could often name a song’s release year just by hearing a few notes. Whether it was lead or bass, Jon played with heart and soul.
More than anything, Jon cherished his family. He was a man of strong character. His warmth and friendliness were instantly felt by anyone he met—he never met a stranger and loved striking up conversations, whether with a store clerk or a passerby. His children and grandchildren were his pride and joy, and he especially loved spending time with them discussing life, music, and all things Star Wars.
Jon is survived by his loving wife, Rita K. Hunter of San Angelo; his former wife Rachel Baaqeel and her husband Aqeel of Odessa; his children, Abigail Hunter, Kate Hunter, and Jon Hunter, all of Odessa; and Erin Quillen and her husband Gaven of Big Spring. He is also survived by his stepchildren, Thomas Dodson and fiancée Cassidy Steel of Colorado City, and Tyler Dodson and fiancée Mickah Mulenda of Los Angeles, CA. His grandchildren—Sarah Dodson, Matthew Quillen, Lucy Dodson, Amelia Theriaque, Paisley Dodson, and Samuel Quillen—were a source of endless joy in his life.
Jon is also survived by his brother, James Hunter of Guaymas, Sonora, Mexico; his brother-in-law, Derek Newell; stepfather, Gerald Harrison; and many cousins and lifelong friends who will carry his memory forward.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Travis Wayne Hunter and Kay Michelle Brown Hunter Harrison; his sister, Milena Newell; and his grandparents, Roy and Laura Fair Hunter, and Kenneth and Marjorie Dean Brown.
A visitation will be held on Monday, April 21, 2025, at Harper Funeral Home from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Funeral service will follow, beginning at 1:00 p.m.