Dr. Howard LeRoy Hunt

Dr. Howard LeRoy Hunt

Fairfield

Dr. Howard LeRoy Hunt, beloved husband, father, grandfather, chiropractor, colleague, and friend, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 1, 2026, at UNC Hospice in Hillsborough, North Carolina, with his wife and daughter by his side.

He was born on April 24, 1945, in Adrian, Michigan, to Robert and Almina Hunt. Howard graduated from Tecumseh High School in 1963. For a short time following high school, he worked at General Motors, where he developed several innovations to improve machinery repairs—an early reflection of his mechanical ingenuity and problem-solving mind. During those years, he also developed a love for cars and, in his younger days, especially enjoyed driving them fast.

In 1965, he joined the United States Army, serving two years during the Vietnam Era as a Military Police officer at Ft. Huachuca, Arizona. He later continued his service in the United States Army Reserves until 1971.

On October 19, 1968, he married the love of his life, Linda, at St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church in Adrian, Michigan. Howard earned his Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, Iowa, on December 20, 1973.

Following graduation, he opened Hunt Chiropractic Center in Fairfield, Iowa, which he owned and operated for 52 years. Linda worked faithfully beside him as a Chiropractic Assistant for more than 35 years. Friends and patients fondly referred to him simply as “Doc.” Together, they built a life in Fairfield and were deeply active in their community. Howard retired in June 2025. On Labor Day of that same year, he and Linda moved to Pittsboro, North Carolina, to be closer to their grandchildren—a transition that brought him great joy.

Howard was a longtime dedicated member of Kiwanis and enthusiastically volunteered at many community events. He helped with the Kiwanis Kids Day Parade, flipped pancakes at the fundraiser tent, and assisted with camper parking at Old Threshers in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa. He also served for many years on the local draft board, carrying out that responsibility with the same commitment to justice and integrity that guided every area of his life.

His commitment to service extended to his profession as well. He was active in numerous organizations reflecting his love of learning and dedication to patient care, including the Southeast Iowa Chiropractic Association, the Fairfield Chamber of Commerce, the American Chiropractic Association, the Iowa Chiropractic Society, and the Iowa Society of Chiropractic Orthopedics, where he served as Secretary-Treasurer and coordinated continuing education courses.

Howard had a lifelong love of learning and of working with his hands. He enjoyed reading, playing the piano, harmonica, and accordion, and was known for his constant whistling. He loved fishing and boating, and whether fixing household projects or helping patients move and feel better, he found joy in solving problems and making things work better than before.

Above all, he loved his family deeply. He was steady, fair, principled, and deeply committed to doing what was right. His presence brought strength, reassurance, and quiet wisdom to those who knew him.

In addition to his beloved wife, Linda, he is survived by his two daughters and four grandchildren: Jennifer (Robert “Alex”) Kallio and their daughters, Maya, Elayna, and Maggie; and Heather Hunt and her son, Logan. He is also survived by two sisters, Roberta “Bobbie” Anderson (Charlie) and Shirley Wolf; a brother, Cortland “Corky” Hunt (Cathie); and many extended family members, colleagues, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his grandson, Adrien Aicher.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 P.M. on Monday, March 9, 2026, at the Anderson-Marry Funeral Home in Adrian, with Pastor Johnny Hayden officiating. Burial will follow at Lenawee Hills Memorial Park in Adrian, with full military honors performed by V.F.W. Post #1584 Annis-Fint of Adrian. Visitation will be held from 11:00 A.M. until the time of service.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Kiwanis Club of Fairfield, Iowa, P.O. Box 1141, Fairfield, IA 52556. Friends may express sympathies to the family by visiting the tribute wall at www.marryfh.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Anderson-Marry Funeral Home in Adrian.