Drew Hunter

Drew Hunter of Gonzales, passed away on June 16, 2011, following a lengthy illness. He was born in Ocilla, Georgia, on January 22, 1933, to Pleamon and Jewel Morgan Hunter. Upon graduation from high school, he enlisted in the United States Air Force. While stationed in Amarillo, he met the love of his life, Freda McWhorter and they were married at the base chapel on March 19, 1960. Mr. Hunter served in the military for 22 years and was stationed at bases throughout the world from Germany to the Philippine Islands until retiring at Lackland Air Force Base in 1973. After retiring from the service, he went on to enjoy careers with Northrop Aircraft and McDonnell Douglas Aircraft, during which time the Hunters lived in Saudi Arabia.

In 1985, Drew and Freda returned to Texas and settled in their retirement home on the Guadalupe River near Gonzales. He was an active member of the community and was especially involved in the work of the Masonic Lodge. He served as Worshipful Master of the lodges in Gonzales and Luling and was a District Deputy Grand Master. In 1998, Mr. Hunter was the recipient of the Golden Trowel Award, which is given for exceptional service in Masonry.

Mr. Hunter proudly served his country and worked for the betterment of his community throughout his life, but above all he was devoted to his family. One of his proudest moments occurred earlier this year when he assisted in pinning the rank of Chief Warrant Officer IV on his grandson at a promotion ceremony held in San Antonio.

Drew is survived by Freda Hunter, his loving wife of more than a half-century; children Fred McWhorter and his wife Donna of Lindale, Don McWhorter and his wife Suzanne of Dripping Springs and Holli Baker and her husband David of Fort Smith, Ar.; grandchildren, Steven Drew McWhorter, Deborah Ravanzo, Scott McWhorter, Teresa Bacon, Tracy Fielder, Toni Tanner, David Polisky and Alan Baker; 17 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and sister, Jimmie Sue Wright of Ocilla, GA.

Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. on Monday, June 20, 2011, at Seydler-Hill Funeral Home in Gonzales, with Pastor Paul Smith officiating. Interment followed in the Gonzales Masonic Cemetery. Pallbearers were the Masonic Brethren from the Gonzales and Luling lodges and members of the United States Air Force Honor Guard from San Antonio. The family received friends from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday June 19, 2011 at Seydler-Hill Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to the Masonic Home of Texas or the charity of one’s choice.

 Arrangements were under the care and direction of Seydler-Hill Funeral Home, 906 St. Paul. Gonzales 78629 (830)672-3232.