Robert Benjamin Hunt

Robert Benjamin (Ben) Hunt, aged 77, of Houston, Texas, passed away peacefully on September 5th. 

 

Ben lived a full life…

 

He attended the University of Michigan and marched in the band under famed Director William D. Rivelli… On November 22, 1969, Ben hung from the goalposts after his beloved Michigan Wolverines upset the rival Ohio State Buckeyes, whom he often referred to as the “hairless nuts.”  That picture made the front page of the next day’s newspaper…  Later, in the Army National Guard, Ben went joyriding in a General’s jeep and somehow got away with it…  Once, on a family road trip, he raced around a dirt track in a wood-paneled station wagon with his wife and 3 young sons.  He didn’t quite get away with that one… He hit a hole-in-one with an 8-iron on a 126 yd Par 3.  It was night, and his group spent 5 minutes looking for the ball before they thought to look in the hole! 

 

Ben found many ways to serve others.  He was a great baseball coach for all three of his sons, and he was involved with Little League for over 30 years as a coach, umpire, and administrator.  Also, for 12 years, Ben was the halftime voice of the Nimitz High School Roaring Cougar Band and the Starboard Angels Dance Team, where he opened every show with his voice booming, “Nimitz High School, and the Aldine Independent School District, proudly present the pride of cougar country!”

 

Known as “Pops” to his family, Ben never met a stranger, and he always tried to bring a smile to the face of anyone he encountered.  Most of all, Ben loved to spend time with his family playing games.   

 

In addition to his wife of 56 years, Mary Patricia (Pat) Hunt, Ben is survived by his 3 sons and their wives (Brad & Courtney -- Brian & Rosie -- Alex & Felicia), 10 grandchildren (Brendan, Nathan, Caitlyn, Conner, Caileigh -- Corey, Phillicitie -- Luci, Caleb, Ansley), and 1 great-grandson (Jaxson).  Ben was the son of the late William and Margaret Hunt.  He is also survived by 3 siblings (Mary Watson, Albert Hunt, Lois Heddon), and he was predeceased by his brother (Bill Hunt).

 

A memorial will be held at a later date.  In lieu of flowers or donations, his family suggests that the best way to honor Ben is to find a way to brighten someone else’s day, if only for a moment.