Carol Ray Hunter, 89, of Rochester, passed away on Friday, May 15, 2026 at his home. Carol was born in Christian County, IL on October 27, 1936, the son of Roy and Clara (Dolbeare) Hunter. He graduated from Lanphier High School in 1954, and enlisted in the United States Army and was stationed in Karlsruhe, Germany. Upon his honorable discharge, Carol enlisted in the Army National Guard of Illinois, where he served as Chief Warrant Officer until his retirement after 34 years of military service. He enjoyed bowling, genealogy, restoring wood burning stoves, and maintaining his home. Carol was the definition of a good man. We are proud he was our husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. He will be greatly missed.

Carol was preceded in death by his parents, and one sister Carolyn “Jean” Hinrichs.

Carol is survived by his wife Barbara (Cole) Hunter; children Terry (Cathy) Hunter, and Sherri (Henry) Dugger; grandchildren, Melissa Hunter, Jacob (Stephanie) Hunter; Deanna (Jayme) Hlatky, Thomas (fiancé Shelby) Dugger, Rachael (Bill) Lube, and Michael (Jamie) Dugger; 16 great grandchildren.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 26, 2026 from 10:00 AM until the time of the funeral service at 11:00 at Wilson Park Funeral Home, 200 E. Main St. in Rochester. Burial will follow at Camp Butler National Cemetery in Springfield.

Memorial donations may be made to the Sangamon County Inter-Veterans Burial Detail.

Wilson Park Funeral Home in Rochester is assisting the Hunter family with arrangements.