Dr. Reverend Elwin Neil Hunt from Punta Gorda, FL, passed away on Saturday, February 24, 2024, at age 80 from cancer. He passed on in his home surrounded by family, in the care of Tidewell Hospice. Neil was born in Waynesville, Missouri on April 18, 1943, to the late William Elton Hunt and the late Helen Ann (Dugot) Hunt. In addition to his parents, Neil was preceded in death by his brother, George Hunt. Neil is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Sharon Elizabeth (Sugars) Hunt; daughter Michelle (Hunt) Simino and her husband Chase Simino from Fort Myers, FL; son, Bill Hunt and his wife Suzy (Reczek) Hunt from Arlington Heights, IL; grandchildren Hunter and Michaela Simino, and Madisyn, Cassidy and Kellsey Hunt; Sharon's cousins Jim and his wife Sheila Oatley from Farmington Hills, MI. Neil was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend. Neil grew up in Jackson, Michigan where he was known by his nickname "Butch." He graduated from Jackson High School in 1961 and joined the Air Force soon after, where he proudly served his country as an Instrument repairman with the 445th Fighter Interceptor Squadron at Wurtsmith Air Force Base, Oscoda, MI. After his time in the Air Force, Neil worked for Consumers Energy in Jackson and was a volunteer leader with the church youth group at Arbor Grove Congregational Church with his wife, Sharon. It was at that time that Neil felt called to the ministry. Neil graduated from Chicago Theological Seminary and was ordained into the ministry in 1983. He served as Associate Minister of North Congregational Church in Southfield, MI, and then served twenty years as Senior Minister of Meadowbrook Congregational Church, Novi, MI. Neil earned his Doctorate of Ministry from Drew University in 1997. Neil was active in his regional, state, and national church associations through the National Association of Congregational Christian Churches (NACCC) and served on many committees and leadership roles. Through these affiliations, he made many great friends and colleagues from across the country. After retirement, Neil and Sharon moved to Florida where Neil was the Interim Minister at the United Church of Marco Island for several years. Neil loved the outdoors. In his lifetime, he was an avid camper, fisherman, sailor, and boater. Being on or near the water was something he treasured. He enjoyed watching sports, especially football and car racing. He also enjoyed watching his grandchildren in all of their activities. However, His favorite thing was spending time with family and friends. Always with a smile on his face and a laugh in his voice, he was a friend to everyone he met. He will be dearly missed and his memory will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. A Celebration of Life will be held on August 3, 2024 at Meadowbrook Congregational Church in Novi, Michigan.

Baldwin Brothers of Port Charlotte is honored to serve the Hunt family.