Orlando Hunter

Orlando Hunter was born in Poplar Bluff, Mo., on Oct. 27, 1943, to the late William and Helen Hunter. He departed this world on Friday, Sept. 20, 2019, to take his place in the supreme concourse in service to God.

Within two years of his birth, Orlando’s family moved to California, where he was raised in Los Angeles and inherited his love for music from his mother, who taught music and shared it with everyone she knew. In his youth, the family moved around throughout the country, sharing their music.

In a spiritual quest, Orlando eventually accepted the teachings of the Baha’i Faith at a social event in the home of Jimmy Seals of the Seals and Crofts musical duo.

In Los Angeles, Orlando married the love of his life, Donna, on Nov. 27, 1975. The couple moved to Hobbs in 1976.

Orlando worked for the City of Hobbs from July 1, 1977 until his retirement in 2003. For several years, he taught children in the local Head Start program.

He also served tirelessly as a member of the Local Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of Hobbs, hosting weekly devotional gatherings until his passing in his home.

Orlando is survived, in addition to his beloved wife Donna, by his son Orlando D. Hunter (and wife Sophie) of Dallas, Texas;  his daughter Angela Wilson of Austin, Texas; grandchildren Joselyn Sanders of Austin, Jayden and Xavier Richmond of Austin, and Miles Hunter of Dallas; and great-grandson Elijah Felix of Austin; and by his sister Melba Coleman and his brother Howard Hunter, both of Los Angeles; his sister Rhoda Wilson of Bakersfield, Calif.

In addition to his parents, Orlando was preceded in death by one sister, Dorothy Gardner.

To celebrate Orlando's homecoming, please feel free to dress casually as he would want everybody to be relaxed.