Robert M. Hunter

Robert Michael Hunter passed away Saturday, May 16, 2015 at his Tulsa residence. He was born February 22, 1937 in Pontiac, Michigan to Robert Ardith and Rose Marie (Holya) Hunter. Robert moved to Tulsa at the age of 6 with his family. His father founded General Machinery and Equipment Company where Robert worked and learned firsthand about machines and manufacturing.

Robert attended Tulsa Woodrow Wilson Jr. High School where he met Linda Shumard, his childhood sweetheart. Robert graduated from Will Rogers High School in 1955. He furthered his education at Oklahoma State University where he earned his bachelor's degree in industrial engineering. During his academic tenure at Oklahoma State, he was editor of the engineering magazine and served as Commander of the Sigma Nu Fraternity. He was then commissioned as a pilot and first lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force Reserve. Robert married his childhood sweetheart Linda in 1960 and joined the Oklahoma National Guard, serving in the Berlin Crisis.

Robert began his professional career at General Electric Company in Schenectady, New York as manager of the large steam turbine division. He returned to Tulsa in 1974 and founded his own company, American Manufacturing Company of Oklahoma. Robert loved music, particularly classical music and the blues. He loved baseball, gardening, gourmet cooking, sailing, soaring, and ice fishing. Above all, he loved the work produced in his shop which was utilized in American industry.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents; and his brother Thomas Alan Hunter. He is survived by his wife Linda (Shumard) Hunter; his son Robert Mark Hunter; his brother Gerald R. Hunter and wife Joy; sister-in-laws: Judith Hunter and Pat Shumard; and 10 nieces and nephews.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Christopher W. Teel of Schaudt-Teel Funeral Service at Memorial Park, 5757 S. Memorial Drive in Tulsa. In lieu of flowers, pleas direct contributions to the Wounded Warrior Project www.woundedwarriorproject.org. A memorial ceremony is scheduled for 3:00 PM Wednesday, May 27, 2015 at the First Presbyterian Church in Tulsa. Interment will be private at Memorial Park Cemetery. You are invited to sign the guest book at www.tulsafuneral.com.