Russell Gerald "Pete" Hunter passed away Wed. April 10, 2013 at the Mo. Veteran's Home in Mt. Vernon, Mo. "Pete" was born on November 17, 1920 in Albany Mo. He was one of 7 children born to Woodson and Bertha Hunter, Albany, Mo. He lived his entire life in Albany, Mo, mostly at the farm he was born at, until 3 years ago where he lived with his son Steve in Joplin, Mo. and later where he lived until his death at the Mo. Veteran's home in Mt. Vernon, Mo. "Pete" served in the 128th Armored Field Artillery Battalion during World War II. The battalion's headquarters had been stationed in Albany before the war. "Pete" along with his brother Kenneth, was with a group of men known as the "Rabbit Ridge Boys" from Albany, who all served together. "Pete" along with the others was involved in the Battle of the Bulge and he served in the Northern France campaign, the Germany campaign and the Normandy campaign During this time, he served as Staff Sargent and message center chief. He was a machine gun and carbine expert. "Pete" was awarded with 2 Bronze Stars for Germany and Normandy and he was also awarded the Good Conduct Medal. On May 21, 1948, "Pete" was united in marriage to Edythe (Fitzwater) Hunter. To this union, three children were born, Steve, Mark and Janet. After the war, "Pete" spent his entire life farming until his retirement. He was involved in the National Guard, Mo. Farmers Association, Veterans of Foreign War, and he served on the Albany RIII school board. "Pete" was preceded in death by his wife, Edythe, his parents, his brother Kenneth Hunter, and sisters Helen Wayman, Wilma Martin, and Aletha Heiberg. Survivors: Sons Steve(Rita) Hunter, Joplin, Mo., Mark Hunter, McFall, Mo., Daughter Janet(Mark) Weber, Lenexa, Ks. Grandchildren, Chad Hunter, Whitney Davied, Lauren and Ethan Weber, Great-granddaughter Halle Davied, a sister Gladys Jenkins, Eugene, Ore., Carl Hunter, Springfield, Mo., many nieces and nephews and many close friends. Funeral Service: 10:00 AM Saturday, April 20 at the Roberson-Polley Chapel, Albany. Burial with Military Rites will be in the Grandview Cemetery, Albany. The family will receive friends from 6:00-8:00 PM Friday evening at the chapel, where friends may call anytime after 2:00 PM on Friday. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations be made to the Mt. Vernon Veteran's Home in care of the Roberson-Polley Chapel, 403 N. Hundley, Albany, MO 64402. Online condolences: www.robersonpolleychapel.com