Sheldon Lamar Hunter

Sheldon Lamar Hunter, 85, of Farmington, died peacefully on February 25th at his home surrounded by his family and his dog. His quick wit and friendly spirit will be dearly missed by his large family and circle of friends. Sheldon was born in Cedar City, Utah in 1929 to Leona and George "Jody" Hunter. He graduated from Cedar City High School in 1948. In 1950, he married Barbara Green, of Cedar City, Utah. Sheldon entered the Engineer Corp of the United States Army in early 1951 and was deployed to Korea where he served his country honorably in the Korean War. He was discharged from the Army in 1953. After his discharge, Sheldon began working for the Utah Construction and Mining Company in Cedar City, Utah. While living in Utah, Sheldon and Barbara had two children, Denise and Lloyd. The family moved to Farmington in 1960 so that Sheldon could work on the construction of the Navajo Mine. While in Farmington, the couple added another son, Russell, to their family. Sheldon and Barbara were divorced in 1970 and remained friends until his death. In 1977, Sheldon made the wise decision to marry Ruth Huslig, and was fortunate to become a step-father to her children, Marty, Alan, Christy, Todd, and Lisa. Sheldon worked for the Utah Construction and Mining Company (which later became BHP) for over 40 years, retiring in 1991. During his tenure there he held various positions beginning with dragline operator and was ultimately promoted to mine superintendent at the La Plata mine, where he remained until his retirement. An avid outdoorsman and gardener, Sheldon loved to fish the quality waters of the San Juan River and to hunt mule deer throughout northern New Mexico. He instilled his love of the outdoors in his children and grandchildren, spending summers camping in Vallecito, Colorado with Ruth and their family. Sheldon was known for his committed work ethic, passion for the outdoors, and ability to make any stranger into a friend in short order. He kept his family and friends laughing and will be fondly remembered and deeply missed. Sheldon was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, David, June and Donel; sister, Leora; sons, Marty Huslig and Lloyd Hunter; daughter-in-law, Brenda Huslig Purcell; and grandson, Jody Hunter. He is survived by his wife, Ruth Hunter; children Denise Hunter, Russell Hunter, Alan Huslig, Christy Carey, Todd Huslig, and Lisa Cassidy; 22 grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 28 at 3p.m. at Brewer, Lee and Larkin Funeral Home, 103 Ute Street, Farmington NM 87401. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Sheldon's name to the Boys and Girls Club of Farmington, 1925 Positive Way, Farmington, NM 87401, phone (505) 327-6396. Sheldon's care is entrusted to Brewer, Lee and Larkin Funeral Home. (505) 325-8688