Donnie Ray Hunter

Donnie Ray Hunter was born in Austin, Texas, on June 7, 1935, to James Warren Hunter and Muriel Preece Hunter. He was a graduate of Austin Travis High School and married Norma Hammack in January 1958.

That same year he was drafted into the U.S. Army, where he became a military policeman. This was the beginning of a 33-year career in law enforcement. Upon discharge from the A

rmy he returned to Austin, where he joined the University of Texas Police Department. He subsequently worked for the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission, Hays County Sheriff’s Department, was Chief of Security at the Texas State Treasury Department and retired as a Texas Capitol police officer with the Texas Department of Public Safety. He also worked several years for Calhoun Smith Texaco Distributing in Austin.

A longtime resident of Buda, he was a member of the Masonic Lodge #800 for more than 30 years. After retirement, he and his family relocated to Lockhart, Texas, where he achieved his dream of owning land to raise cattle and horses. An avid horseman, he competed in rodeos in his younger days and enjoyed breaking, working with and trading horses most of his life. He also loved fixing cars and reselling them.

In addition to his wife of 55 years, he is survived by daughters Cheryl Hunter West and husband, Mark, Cindy Hunter, Carol Hunter Fluker and husband, J.R., and son, Donnie Ray Hunter II; grandchildren: Brandi Evans, Holly Evans, Travis Stalnauker, Lauren Rae West, Jonathan Hunter, Kristen West, Emily Knight Hunter, Colton West, Thomas Knight Hunter, Robert Heck, Elizabeth Heck, Carson Fluker and Donnie Ray Hunter, III; and great-grandson, Colin Ray Craven. He also leaves behind several sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews and numerous other extended family and friends.

Donnie was predeceased by his parents; sister, Lois Harrison; brothers, Carroll Hunter, Richard “Red” Hunter, James W. Hunter, II and Arlo Hunter; and nephews, David Hunter and Clinton Hunter.

The family received friends from 6 – 8 p.m. on Monday, June 17, 2013, at Harrell Funeral Home in Kyle, where funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, June 18. Burial followed at Live Oak Cemetery.

Arrangements under the care and direction of Harrell Funeral Home, 1715 Kirby, Kyle, Texas 78640, (512) 268-8200. To view and sign the guestbook, visit www.post-register.com/obituaries/donnie-ray-hunter.