Bryan G. Hunt, age 59, of Breese, passed away Wednesday, August 28, 2024, at Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, MO. He was born February 4, 1965, in St. Louis, MO, a son of Eloise Hunt, nee Hudson, and John D. Hunt, Jr.
Bryan is survived by his parents, Eloise Hunt, nee Hudson, of Florissant, MO and John D. Hunt, Jr. of Everett, WA; loving wife of 22 years, Christine “Chris” Hunt, nee Ripperda, of Breese, whom he married on May 4, 2002, at First United Presbyterian Church in Centralia; his cherished son, Noah Bryan Hunt (special friend Kara Markus) of Breese; his dear sister, Danielle Hunt of St. Louis, MO; his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Michael (Twyla) Ripperda of Lebanon, Dennis Ripperda of Breese, David (Michelle) Ripperda of Aviston, and Lynn (Russell) Huelsmann of Damiansville; his nieces and nephews, Travis (special friend Brianna Becherer), Rachel, Emily, and Carlee Ripperda; the Hudson, Hunt, McClendon, Simms, Zurliene, and Ripperda aunts, uncles, and cousins; and his beloved dog, Weezie.
Bryan was preceded in death by two babies to miscarriage; his grandparents, Willie Miller Hudson and Velva Mae Morton Hudson, John D. Hunt, Sr., Georgia Anna Littiejohn Hunt, and Elizabeth Smith Hunt; aunts, Frencella (Joseph) Hudson Bonner, Mabel Hudson Blair, Opal Hudson Simms, and Wilma Hunt; uncles, Frederick (Ella Mae Griffin) Hudson, Robert Hudson, Virgil (Lessie Haulcy) Hudson, and Robert Hunt; as well as his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Robert and Kathleen, nee Zurliene, Ripperda.
Bryan graduated from Webster Groves High School in 1983 and later earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communications in 1988 from Northeast Missouri State University (now Truman State University) and also attended College of the Ozarks and St. Louis Community College. His career began as a Staff Photographer for the Ft. Madison Democrat in Ft. Madison, IA, and spanned over 22 years at the Centralia Sentinel and Carlyle Union Banner, and in 2019, Bryan joined The Breese Journal as Editor. He left a lasting impact through his dedication to journalism, photography, and his community. His talents as a photographer and journalist earned him numerous awards throughout his career.
In addition to his professional achievements, Bryan was a gifted artist with the ability to bring any subject to life through his drawings. He had a passion for Formula 1 Racing, rugby, and building model airplanes. His love for airplanes, especially military aircraft was profound, and one of his greatest joys was fulfilling a lifelong dream by taking a flight on a World War II B-29 bomber, “Doc,” on August 3, 2024.
Bryan was known for his kindness, generosity, and intelligence. He bravely fought an eight-year battle with neuroendocrine cancer, all the while remaining devoted to his family and community. His intellect was vast, and his love for learning extended across countless subjects.
A faithful member of First Presbyterian Church in Centralia, Bryan served as a former Deacon, served on the Session as an Elder for two terms, and was a frequent fellowship host. Though Presbyterian, he often attended Mass with his wife Chris and son Noah. He was also a proud member of the Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity during his time at Northeast Missouri State University.
Bryan’s greatest pride was his son, Noah. He was a devoted father who took immense joy in watching Noah compete in cross country and track meets at Willow Grove Grade School in Centralia and Central Community High School in Breese.
Funeral Services will be held Thursday, September 5, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 102 S Hickory St., Centralia, IL 62801with Pastor Joannie Naraghi officiating. Interment will follow at St. Dominic-St. Augustine Cemetery, N. 4th Street West (Route 50 West), Breese.
Visitation will be Wednesday, September 4, 2024, from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. and again Thursday, September 5, 2024, from 9:00 – 10:15 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 102 S Hickory St., Centralia, IL 62801
In lieu of flowers, plants, and other gifts, memorials may be made to Siteman Cancer Center for Neuroendocrine Cancer Research or First United Presbyterian Church in Centralia and will be received at the visitation or by mail, Moss Funeral Home, 535 N. 5th St. Breese, IL 62230, who is serving the family.
Expressions of sympathy can be sent to the family at www.mossfuneralhome.com
