Obituary
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.
Leave a reply