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Chester Eugene Hunnicutt, born June 22, 1937, passed away Aug. 15, 2021, at the age of 84.
Gene was born in Powell, to Chester J. and Francis L. Hunnicutt. He was raised in Powell and graduated from Powell Senior High in 1955.
After attending college and getting a certificate in Horology (watchmaker and clockmaker), Gene joined the U.S. Air Force in 1958 and served through 1962. While Gene was stationed in Altus, Oklahoma, he met the love of his life, Martha (Douglas) Hunnicutt. They married May 14, 1944. They were blessed with three beautiful daughters while living in Altus. In 1966, after finishing his obligation to the USAF, he relocated his family to Powell.
Gene and Martha worked alongside his parents in the family business, Hunnicutt Jewelry. In 1968 they became owners of the store. Gene was always proud of being a successful part of the small business community. He worked hard and long hours building Hunnicutt Jewelry after taking it over from his parents. The store was in business, in the town of Powell, for 64 years.
Gene loved spending time with his family and extended family. He loved the Lord and raised his family in the United Methodist Church in Powell.
He was very active in the Kiwanis Club supporting small businesses in the community. He held many offices in the Independent Order of Oddfellows lodge. He loved to camp and fish up on the North Fork and on the Beartooth Mountains. He also loved to rabbit hunt out on the Bench.
Upon their retirement in 1998 Gene and Martha were able to travel extensively. In 2002 they decided to settle in Benson, Arizona, at San Pedro Resort Community. He and Martha loved it there and became well established in the community. Gene was a member of the community of Benson for over 20 years.
He loved being busy and meeting people. He connected with others through The Hunnicutt Watch and Clock Repair Shop in his home, working for Winn Bundy at the Singing Wind Bookshop, the Lions Club, and volunteering and helping his community in any way he could. He loved having a good time and a good laugh. He spent many hours playing pool, cards, swimming and visiting with his sister and many friends in San Pedro Resort Community, around town and the surrounding communities.
Gene will be missed by all. We are thankful for a quick journey back to the loving arms of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We know he was met by his wife of 60 years, Martha. I can just see them embracing and him whispering in her ear, “How’s my cutie pie and favorite redhead?” He was a good husband, father and friend, and he had a heart of gold.
Gene leaves behind his sister Zola Schultz of Benson, Arizona; daughters, Kim (Kenny) of Aumsville, Oregon, Louisa (Byron) of Farmington, New Mexico, and Sheila (Buddy) of Columbia, Tennessee. He also leaves behind six grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, four nieces and their spouses, and one nephew.
He was laid to rest at Southern Arizona Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Sierra Vista, Arizona. A celebration of his life will take place at a later date.
