John "Jack" Wyles Hunter Jr.

John W. "Jack" Hunter Jr.

Funeral services for John W. "Jack" Hunter Jr., 77, of Ardmore, Neb., were held Jan. 12, 2000, at the Chamberlain Chapel in Chadron, Neb., with Pastor Charles Hunt officiating. Burial was at the Duck Creek Cemetery in Ardmore. Military services were provided by the Veterans Honor Guard.

Mr. Hunter died Jan. 7, 2000, in Rapid City, S.D. following an extended battle with cancer.

He was born June 17, 1922, near Ardmore to John W. and Marjorie (Rineer) Hunter.

He graduated from Lusk High School in 1940, attended Mesa College in Grand Junction, Colo., and South Dakota School of Mines in Rapid City before joining the US Marines in 1942. He served as a lieutenant in the South Pacific, and was honorably discharged as Captain in 1946.

He married Mary Bergquist on May 17, 1947 in Utah and returned to the family ranch, where he worked with his father and brother until 1974.

Mr. Hunter was a rodeo participant and later an announcer, joining the PRCA in 1957. A member of the American Legion since 1946, he also belonged to numerous civic and social organizations. He twice served as a judge for the Miss Rodeo America Pageant.

Mr. Hunter was elected to the Fair Association's Hall of Fame in both Dakotas, and was named Associate of the Year, a distinction he also held in Nebraska.

He was Man of the Year for the National High School Rodeo Association, PRCA Badlands Circuit Announcer of the Year, and wrote a column for the Quarter Horse Digest. In 1999, he and his wife won the Pioneer Award at the Black Hills Stock Show.

Survivors include his wife, Mary, of Ardmore, son Jack of Gordon, Neb., brother Darrell of Ardmore, and three grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Chamberlain Chapel of Chadron was in charge of arrangements.

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