Richard A. Hunt, 71, Purdue University Professor Emeritus of Mathematics, died at his West Lafayette residence on March 22, 2009 from Acute Myeloid Leukemia.
He was born in St. Louis, Mo., on June 16, 1937, the son of Allen and Lucille Hunt. He is survived by Ann Hankins Hunt, his wife of 51 years, their children, John Hunt (RoseMary) and Julie Wolf (Peter), and grandchildren CJ Hunt, Joanna Hunt, Martina Wolf and Evan Wolf. He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Thomas.
Professor Hunt's area of research was Harmonic Analysis; he was awarded the Salem Prize in 1969. His academic degrees were from Washington University in St. Louis and his teaching positions were at The University of Chicago and Princeton University. He came to Purdue in 1969 and retired in 2000. He received numerous outstanding teaching awards including the Amrine Visionary Award and published two Calculus textbooks.
He was a Master Gardener. Prior to 2000 Professor Hunt took course work in landscape design; and, during retirement he worked as a landscape designer with colleagues at GardenArt. His friends and customers frequently recognized him as he drove his beloved red MGA convertible around town.
Athletics were an important part of Richard Hunt's life; he earned four varsity letters in football at Washington University and played competitive handball from 1956 until 2008. He competed in the Circle City Handball tournament for many years; his last competition was in 2008.
Taking garden tours with his wife, playing with his grandchildren, visiting with his family and playing poker with his math and statistic buddies added much joy to his active life.
Visitation 1-3 p.m. with a Celebration of Life Ceremony at 3 p.m. Thursday, March 26 at Soller-Baker West Lafayette Chapel, 1184 Sagamore Parkway West, West Lafayette, the Rev. Don Nead officiating. Reception at 5 p.m. at Morton Community Center at 222 N. Chauncey in WL. If desired, memorial donations to Lafayette Urban Ministry (525 N. 4th Street, Lafayette, IN 47901) would be greatly appreciated. Send online condolences to www.soller-baker.com