Pastor Tom Lee Hunt Sr.

Pastor Tom Lee Hunt, Sr. has received his eternal reward as he went to his Heavenly Home on March 1st, 2024, at the age of 81.  His whole life’s focus has been mainly in serving his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  Although, as a child he had a love for little league.  In high school at T.U.H.S he was a star pitcher, captain of the varsity basketball team and the senior representative.  He continued that love of sports through college at TAJC and with multiple scholarships to Chapman College in Orange, CA and Fresno State.  He had a south paw that was very difficult for the opposing team to connect with.  He was known for pitching total shut-outs, even with double headers scheduled!  Curves, sliders, etc., he seemed poised to be the next Sandy Kofax, some said.  The Oakland A scout was impressed with his in excess of 95 mph fastball!  Developing calcium deposits brought him to a surgeon’s office, which ultimately cut his baseball career in half.

Tom is survived by his devoted wife of 59 years plus, Lynda.  Lynda Miller.  Tom is preceded in death by his youngest son, David James, who passed in 2023.

He is survived by his oldest son, Tommy Lee, Jr. (Rhonda) OK., his lovely daughters: Ronda (Tim) Cray, TX., Victoria (Mike) Bragg, WA., Jeanie (Aaron) Mathews, CA., Merri (Armando) Tovares, AZ., and Kerri Hunt, WA.

Grandchildren that he loved; Shara (Alan) Hoffman, WA., Keyton Sypes, KY., Daisy, CO., and TJ Hunt III, OK., Kayla (Tim) Voodg, ID., Calen and Shane Guman, OR., RJ Nicholaus, WA., Arianna, Loretta, and Wyatt Bragg, WA., Nick and Caleb Mathews, CA., Gabrielle, AJ and Bella Tavares, AZ.

Three great grands: Aura Sykes, KY., Santana, and Siena Voodg, ID.  Tom had many close nephews, nieces, and cousins.

After total surrender to God, Tom plunged headfirst into Biblical studies, launching his first pastorate in Ontario, CA.  He was the assistant pastor under the direction of C.E. Homes of Bakersfield, CA. First Free Will Baptist Church, where he directed the Christian academy there.  He went on to pastor several CA. Free Will Baptist Churches: Shafter CA. FWB, Mt. View FWB, Baldwin Park FWB church and academy.  He was on the National Home Missions “missionary roll” as a church planter both in Houston, Texas in the seventies and later in WA. State.  Tri City FWB Church.  Eastside FWB Church of TX., went fully self-supporting in just 18 months under Tom’s leadership.  He preached some 50 years, returning to his roots at Taft FWB Church where he grew up.  Current pastor Ken McCurdy encouraged Tom to sing at church which he dearly loved to do. “Blessed Assurance”, “In the Garden”, “Old Rugged Cross”, “Precious Memories”.  He would cheer up whoever was a little “blue”.  The angelic pallbearers have come.  Tom is in the presence of his Lord Jesus.  He is resting from his labors and his own works do follow him.  Goodbye dearest, we love and miss you so very much; we will meet you “there” some glad morning “Soon and Very Soon”!

Services will be held at the Erickson and Brown Funeral Home the morning of March 18th, 2024, under the direction of Toms favorite nephew Rev. Michael Criswell, OR.  FWB Church.  Graveside will be officiated by Rev Kenneth McCurdy of Taft FWB Church.  Lunch served at the Taft FWB Church 510 Harrison immediately following the burial.