Ronald Kenneth Hunt passed away peacefully at home on July 15, 2026, at the age of 85.

Ron was born on February 23, 1941, to Bernice and Floyd Hunt. He attended Ritenour High School, where he met the love of his life, Jackie. They were married on September 16, 1961, the best day of his life, he would tell you, and now you have been told. Together, they shared 65 wonderful years of marriage and were blessed with two children, Tracy Hunt-Winters (Steven) and Ronald K. Hunt Jr. (Kim), as well as their adopted son, John Cann (Cheri), and grandson, Nathan.

Ron played 12 years in Major League Baseball, beginning with the New York Mets, a team he dearly loved. He later played for the Los Angeles Dodgers, San Francisco Giants, Montreal Expos, and finished his career with the St. Louis Cardinals. When the Mets traded him, it hurt him deeply, and he often said, "From then on, I just played for the fans and the money."

Together, Ron and Jackie built the Ron Hunt Eagles Baseball Association, along with Jackie's Room and Board. Ron was incredibly proud of the program they created, especially the many young men he placed in college with a baseball scholarship and the countless lives he influenced in a positive manner. Jackie, alongside her mother, Isabelle, managed the kitchen with the help of volunteers and staff, eventually building a commercial kitchen. Ron converted the rock house on the property into a dormitory, added two campers for the coaches, constructed an indoor batting cage, and built the infield that became his pride and joy. Jackie would jokingly say, "Most wives get a pool in their backyard, I got an infield."

Ron wasn't just about teaching the game of baseball the right way. His greatest passion was teaching valuable life lessons that would stay with his players for the rest of their lives. He wanted everyone to succeed. He believed in giving everyone a chance, especially those who might not have been given one anywhere else. Ron wasn't just a great baseball coach he was an exceptional life coach.

Above all, Ron loved his family and friends. If he gave you his word and a handshake, you never had to question whether he would honor it. He often said, "If you're lucky enough to have five friends who will drop everything to help you when you're in need, you're a lucky man." Ron was exactly that kind of man.

He was loved by many and left a lasting impact on everyone who had the privilege of calling him a friend. #33 will always be with us.

Ron leaves a tremendous void in the hearts of his family and friends, but this is not goodbye. Ron never liked to say "goodbye." Instead, he would always say, "See you later." So, until then, see you later, man. We love you!!

The family will celebrate Ron's life at a later date.

The family is accepting floral tributes at the Pitman Funeral Home in Wentzville throughout the week. Flowers may be delivered directly to the funeral home or dropped off during business hours.

In honor or Ron, memorials may be made to: https://www.sabeswings.org/give-monthly The nonprofit organization that supported Ron held a special place in his heart. Grateful for the kindness and assistance he received, he was always eager to give back whenever he could.