“Trey” Walter Hunter, III

WA Hunter

Walter Alexander Hunter, III, known by many as Trey, was born in Galveston on April 1, 1961. While his life was far too short, it was one that was full beyond measure—more than most will ever have in twice as long. He grew up as the eldest brother to Greg and Heather Hunter. He was their friend, helper, and protector, especially after the early deaths of their parents. In August of 1979, he went on to fall head over heels for his now-wife Donna after meeting their very first day of college at the Baptist Student Union. Donna was there for the church social, but let’s be real, Trey was there for the free food. They constantly wrote love letters to one another, and by the time they graduated, they were engaged to be married. Their love brought about two amazing children, Kelsey Raye and Kyle Alexander. They were the light of his life. Everything he did was for them. He had a sacrificial love that mirrored that of his savior, Jesus Christ. Christ’s love was consistently evident in Trey’s kindness, respect, and genuine concern for others. The plans he and Donna shared for retirement may have been put on hold, but we know he is with the Lord waiting for her.

Trey was always on the go, but some of his favorite activities included spending time at his family’s property in Galveston (many of you may fondly know of it as The Camp), playing poker with his friends, taking long drives in his Mustang and Camaro, and he even got great joy from simply cutting his grass. And of course, all this involved jamming to his music! But most of all he loved being with his family and seeing them happy. He took such pleasure in life’s simple things. He wanted so little for himself so that he could give everything to his wife and kids. And he did this on a daily basis. The world has lost the most upstanding man, but this just means the Lord knew he had served his purpose on this Earth. We know he has touched countless lives, and we know he has touched yours. We are so grateful that you are here to remember and celebrate him with us. He loved and cared for each and every one of you.

 

Walter Alexander Hunter, III, “Trey” passed away suddenly on Sunday, May 10, 2015.  Visitation will be from 6 to 8 pm Wednesday evening, May 13 at Crowder Funeral Home in Webster.  A Funeral Service will be held at 2 pm on Thursday, May 14, at University Baptist Church, 16106 Middlebrook Dr. Houston, 77059.  Trey will be missed by his wife, Donna; son, Kyle, daughter, Kelsey and her husband, Will; his sister, Heather and a brother, Gregory.

34 comments

  1. Donna, Kelsey and Kyle,

    What a great guy Trey was! He was truly a people person and made everyone he met feel good. One of his many passions was coaching Little League baseball, and he was so good at it. He coached with a kind, caring attitude that was unique–I never heard him raise his voice!

    We are so sorry for your loss.

    Sally, Rich, John and Steven Coleman

    The Colemans
  2. Dear Hunter family,
    We are fervently praying for you. May God’s peace and strength be with you each and every day during this difficult time. We love you!
    Love,
    Berkley and Kyle Knas

    Berkley and Kyle Knas
  3. Donna, Kelsey and Kyle,

    We are so sorry for your loss. There are no words to explain what a loss this is to us. Phillip has know Trey since college years, and he was best friends with him, along with Don Cullum. My first conversation with Trey was right after I met Phillip. I was at Phillip’s house and the phone rang. I was the one who picked up the phone and it was Trey and he said “so you are the reason I have not heard from my friend in a long time!” They he told me he was just kidding because he wasn’t sure how that came across. I thought it was great. My favorite memory of Trey was at our rehearsal dinner and Trey wrote a poem….it was a great poem. I still have it in my wedding book. I treasure it. I would love to give it to you if you would like (of course I will make a copy for myself!) I cannot believe that the 3 poker buddies were together on Friday night before his passing. What a blessing but also sorrow. Phillip reminded me that he has known Donna since Elementary School which I had forgotten.
    Again, I am so sorry for your loss and I wish there was something I could do to make it better, but only time and prayers will be helpful at this moment.
    Love to all of you,
    Phillip and Mary Deiss

    Mary Deiss
  4. Very sorry for your loss. My sincere condolences.

    Joe Baj
  5. Donna and family,

    I knew and worked with Walter here at CenterPoint Energy for over 30 years. My current wife, Cindy Carter lived three houses down from you at 14911. Walter was there for her 8 years ago when her husband Bobby passed away, and was there for me 5 years ago when my wife Michele passed away. I not only knew Walter from work, but also outside of work. I enjoyed stopping and talking with him when he was out mowing the lawn. I will miss his sense of humor and his smile. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family.

    Gene Frankart and Cindy Carter
  6. Dear Family,
    My wife and I have heavy hearts from hearing about the loss of Walter. I had the privilege of knowing Walter on the job as a fellow employee and later as my manager. This coming July I have completed 40 years of employment at CenterPoint Energy and I cannot think of a better man than Walter Hunter during those years. Walter was the ideal example of what any inspiring manager should want to copy. This year has been trying for my family as we have struggled with serious medical issues with my Granddaughter and Walter Hunter always took the time to check up on her even as late as a few days ago. Heaven is brighter today as those left behind struggle to deal with this loss. May Jesus comfort you during this time and hold firm that we will see Walter again.

    John McAnally Jr.
  7. Donna and family,
    Rita and I were so sorry when we heard the news of Walter’s passing Sunday. We have you and your beautiful family in our prayers. I’ve known you and Walter for 32 years back when we worked together in credit and you worked at Tenneco with Rita so we are truly saddened by the loss of such a wonderful man and husband. Walter was always positive with his glass half full and I will always remember his wonderful smile. I know God is always with us and He will see you and your family through this sorrowful time.

    Walter and Rita Bryant

    Walter & Rita Bryant
  8. Donna,
    I am so sorry to hear about Trey’s passing. From the beginning of his career with HL&P, we were friends. He was so serious about his work but so very funny. As sad as I am, I am smiling right now thinking about some of the memories I have of him. I will treasure those memories.
    My sincere condolences go out to you and the family. May you find comfort and the strength to cope.

    Suzanne Gilbert
  9. Donna,

    I worked with Walter numerous years at Hl&P no words can express his kindness, work ethics, and love for his family. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time.

    karen martinez
  10. To the family,

    Walter was truly one of the best men I have ever met. Kind, generous, thoughtful, caring, and I could go on. He was not my co-worker he was my friend, and we always made sure we acknowledge each other as such. He will be missed dearly. Walter was one of a kind.

    Ken Sellers "friend"
  11. We are so sad for your loss and will keep you in our prayers. We have fond memories of those little league baseball games. Coach Trey was always patient and encouraging with the team.
    Bob,Gwen and Robert Elford

    Robert El Ford
  12. Walter was one of the finest men I have ever met. We worked together for many years at HLP/CNP and had a great time!! We always ended up talking about cars, old bikes and most importantly our kids. He truly loved his family and was always an enthusiastic inspiration to me! I know he is keeping the Lights on in Heaven.
    God Bless you buddy!

    Bill LeBlanc
  13. Donna and Family,
    We are genuinely sorry for your loss. Trey was truly one of the good guys. We all came to know Walter (we called him Walter) as a real professional and a man of integrity in every aspect of his life. He was a family man, a Cowboys fan and a friend; a true credit to his family and his company. On a personal note, I had planned to get to know Walter better in the coming years because it seemed our perspective on life was so in line with one another. Now that will have to wait until we meet again. And I know we will, because God will make him part of the welcoming committee.

    Dave Whitby and the team at Versalift Southwest, Waco, Texas
  14. Donna, Kelsey and Kyle, There are not words that can appropriately describe the sadness we feel for you at the loss of Trey, your husband and father. Trey was so special. I remember when you moved in across from us and how excited we were to have such a wonderful family as neighbors. Trey always had a smile on his face and made us laugh – we loved his pickup truck and thought for sure that JR would want to buy it someday – but he would say he was saving it for Kyle. Trey adored his children Kyle and Kelsey as well as you Donna. He was a true gentleman – his virtue reminds me of the Creed of Sigma Alpha Epsilon.

    “The True Gentleman is the man whose conduct proceeds from good will and an acute sense of propriety, and whose self-control is equal to all emergencies; who does not make the poor man conscious of his poverty, the obscure man of his obscurity, or any man of his inferiority or deformity; who is himself humbled if necessity compels him to humble another; who does not flatter wealth, cringe before power, or boast of his own possessions or achievements; who speaks with frankness but always with sincerity and sympathy; whose deed follows his word; who thinks of the rights and feelings of others, rather than his own; and who appears well in any company, a man with whom honor is sacred and virtue safe.”
    We wish we could be there for you but unfortunately cannot. Please know that you are all in our prayers and know that Trey is in heaven playing golf with JR and smiling down and watching us.
    Kathy and Ed Doris

    Kathy and Ed Doris
  15. Kelsey, my heart goes out to you and your family. Words cannot heal this pain, I know, but you are most certainly in my thoughts and prayers.

    With love, Lacy McNamee

    Lacy McNamee
  16. Donna, I only had the pleasure of meeting Walter one time, with you at the rodeo in March. But I feel like I have known him for years. Such a gentleman, always so concerned about his co-workers, employees and their family. My Walter (Allison) would often be on the phone with him discussing weather and other issues that would require my Walter to stay late or abort his vacation time to be back for “all hands on deck” and your Walter would apologize to me for these inconveniences.
    Always concerned. Always a gentleman. Always a great big smile in his voice. I wish I had met you all earlier. God Bless you and your family.
    Becky Jones

    Becky Jones
  17. Hunter Family,
    I am so very sorry for your loss. I knew Trey from the first day he started as HL&P and I enjoyed every minute with him. My thoughts and prayers are with you all thru this terrible time.

    Karen Stone

    Karen Stone
  18. “Blessed are they who die in the Lord for they shall rest from their labor and their works do follow them.” Walter Hunter, as I know him, has left a valuable imprint on the lives of his co-workers here at CenterPoint Energy. Even though my heart is broken, I know that if he walked into my office now, the radiance of his smile and his sweet spirit would make it alright. So, today, as memories of our years working through some of the most difficult projects together flood my mind, I can truly say…I’m grateful that GOD allowed you to be a part of my journey.

    To his Wife, Children, Siblings and other Family Members, May the love of GOD comfort you and the peace of GOD sustain you during this transition.

    Marilyn Walker-Hudson
  19. Donna, Kelsey and Kyle.
    Meeting Walter over 15 years ago changed my life. He inspired me to achieve goals I only thought were reserved for smarter “college folk”. He listened, he pushed, he expected results through kindness and never failed to respect those that worked for and with him. He and I became close friends- he was the best man at my wedding- he was my daughter’s God Father- he was a mentor- he was a father figure- he was a confidant. It will be hard to imagine a world without him so all we can do is look back on the memories that we shared with him. To borrow phrase from Walter: “This place would be so much better if we had a hundred Walter Hunters.”
    I wish you three and all of your family the best for the future and never hesitate to reach out if you need anything from me and my family.

    To laugh often and love much;
    to win the respect of intelligent persons
    and the affection of children;
    to earn the approbation of honest critics
    and to endure the betrayal of false friends;
    to appreciate beauty;
    to find the best in others;
    to give of one’s self;
    to leave the world a little better,
    whether by a healthy child,
    a garden patch
    or a redeemed social condition;
    to have played and laughed with enthusiasm
    and sung with exultation;
    to know that even one life has breathed easier
    because you have lived,
    this is to have succeeded.
    Ralph Waldo Emerson

    He succeeded.

    Take care, Ray.

    Raymond Hall
  20. Donna and family,
    I truly hope that Walter’s life is celebrated in the memories he leaves us. Talking with Walter over the years I found that he is driven with a passion for good and filled with the Holy Spirit. He loved his family and was always willing to share a story or two. He was very proud of you Donna, and Kyle, Kelsey and other son (in law) Will and would often share stories about you all.
    How do you eulogize someone that is a great communicator? As you know, Walter has never been short on words. He could corner you in the morning to have a quick minute with you only to realize and hour later he is getting to the point. A conversation with Walter was always a journey on how he came to his conclusion. Another friend put it well. He said you could tell Walter that 1+1=2 and Walter would go into a 30 minute explanation on how he came to the same conclusion. Walter loved sports especially baseball and golf. He was the ultimate coach in trying to create a team atmosphere.
    Walter demonstrated his Christianity by the way he treated everyone. Walter always found the good in a bad situation. I remember Walter daily pumping up his meter reader teams to work safe and give it their best knowing that their jobs would be ending soon. He had had a passion for people and getting their best even when they did not want to give it. Walter brought life, love and laughter into a dark room and created light. Thank you for sharing Walter with us.
    If Walter was not in heaven seconds after his death it is only because he stopped to talk along the way. Know that Walter showed love and was loved by all.

    John James
  21. When you ever needed an opinion, guidance, or a helping hand at any hour, you could always rely on Trey.
    Trey wasn’t the type to judge, and always seemed sure there was a solution to any problem. When it came to advice, he would put a lot of thought into it before telling you “how it is”, with an educational spin and all kindness in the world. Truly a man that could lead by the finest example, and you’d be glad to follow him, no matter where. We were truly blessed having you be apart of our lives and for being the greatest role model uncle for our children. Thank you for being the brother I never had and rest in peace. Truly very special and loved always.

    Jennifer Hunter-Peikert
  22. God aid you and comfort the Hunter family in this time. I worked with Walter at CNP and sppreciated his kindness and refreshing spirit. God knew his heart in eternity past, and now looks him full in the face. God bless you all.

    John Palermo
  23. Dear Hunter Family,

    There are way too few Trey Hunter’s on this earth. Apparently God is hogging all of them. Trey’s type of personality, genuine kindness and love for all people is rare and was noted from the day we met him.

    Thankfully our faith leads us to believe that we have an eternal future ahead of us and Trey will be waiting for his loved ones there. May the peace that only Jesus gives bring you rest and comfort during this difficult time.

    Love,
    Joan, Chuck, Amy & Adam Moss

    The Moss Family
  24. Dear Hunter Family,
    We were deeply saddened by the news of Trey’s death. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. We hope that your sadness will soon be replaced with fond memories of this fine man.

    Mike and Kathy Bodnar & Family

    Michael Bodnar
  25. Walter was a very happy and kind man. He always tried to make you smile and feel important. He always talked about his family and how proud he was of them. I know his wife and children will greatly miss him. He told me a story about him and his wife took a trip to Kentucky to buy his Camaro and drove it home. When he drove it to work the first time he called me to come by and check it out, he was so proud. He knew I collected license plates so he let me have the Kentucky plate, now I will think about him every time I see that plate. Walter invited me to play golf with him for a company event one time and I’m a person that believes you can learn a lot about someone character playing golf. Walter impressed me so much with his ability and sprit for the game that it made me gain a new level of respect for him.
    My condolences to his wife and children for their loss.

    Mike Buchanan (Pals)
  26. Donna, Kyle, and Kelsey,

    There is so much I could say about Trey, I am fortunate to have had the opportunity to brought into your lives as a friend. I view Trey as a father figure. Our friendship over the last 10+ year has developed into me viewing him as someone I know I could call for advice especially after I lost my dad. He always commented on my family and would tell me, “That being a dad was the best job in the world!”

    Trey will be greatly missed but I can say without reservation that his memory and presence will surely be with us for the rest of our lives. I will miss his stories and simply just having the opportunity to learn from him. God Bless your family and know that our family is here for you if you need anything, anytime.

    Love ya’ll…. Robert, Jessica, Priscilla & Peyton Borden

    Robert Borden
  27. Dear Hunter Family,

    When we take inventory of all the people we experience in our lives, Trey Hunter is truly amongst those “Really, Really Great People” we have all been blessed to know. Trey was a man who clearly cared about others and lived a life dedicated to serving others in a meaningful way. It was always very special to feel Trey talk WITH you with that gentle, assuring look in his face. And it was always very special the way he used those soft, but powerful words to let you know he cared about YOU and about YOUR FAMILY. My son was very blessed to have Trey serve as his first baseball coach and Trey’s caring leadership provided the perfect introduction to sports for my young son. Trey also served as a perfect Coach model, as many of us learned from him how to coach young children. He was always a positive, supportive coach who kept the big picture in mind….teaching our young children to love the game of baseball and never allowing our adult competitive spirit tarnish that experience for them. It was hard to do, but Trey was a Master at it! And his positive, loving nature for people and about life was who Trey was inside and outside the gates of the ball field. We will all miss Trey very much, but he leaves behind a perfect model for how to live life with a positive, caring spirit toward others. Thank you, Trey, for being that model for us all! I pray for the Hunter family to know peace during this challenging time.

    Carey Cobb

    Carey Cobb
  28. To the Hunter Family,

    Let me express my condolences to each one of you. I worked with Walter during his tenure in Fleet, it was a pleasure getting to know him. He will be missed profoundly. Walter spoke frequently with pride about his family and the Dallas Cowboys.

    Walter’s enthusiasm will be difficult to match, in the years that follow please take comfort in the fact that Walter touched many lives and influenced many, therefore he will live in their hearts and minds.

    Paul Martinez

    Paul Martinez
  29. We are deeply saddened and sorry for your loss. Trey was a great husband, father, brother, coach, co-worker and friend to so many. It was an honor to be your neighbors and watch our kids grow up together and our weekly dinners at Dos Mas. Trey’s attitude about family and life was so infectious. I truly hold many fond memories of golf and playing poker with Trey and the guys. Having moved to another State, we often had you guys in our thoughts. Whenever I visited Houston on business, I would visit the neighborhood. More often than not, I would find Trey washing is red truck or Mustang or cutting his grass. Trey was a perfectionist.
    We wish we could be there for you and the family but unfortunately we cannot. Our condolences to Donna, Kelsey, Kyle and your extended families.

    Kevin, Robin, Toni and Carla Chimento

    Kevin and Robin Chimento
  30. My deepest sympathy to all of Walter’s family. I had the pleasure of working with him a couple of times throughout my 35 year career at HL&P/CenterPoint. Walter was truly a class act and a pleasure to work with. He will be missed by so many. God bless his family through this most difficult time.

    Tom Clements
  31. Kyle, Kelsey and Donna,
    Words alone can’ t begin to express the sadness in our hearts upon hearing of your loss. We were blessed to have met Trey through the golf team but, even more blessed to have gotten to know him as a frequent patron of our restaurant. His smile was infectious and his personality could light up a room. It was the highlight of my night to see Trey enjoying time with his family .While it is difficult to understand now, your faith will carry you through the difficult times ahead with the knowledge that he is in a better place.
    May God Bless you,

    Daniel & Michele Costello
  32. What a great blessing it was to have known “Walter” as we knew him at work. I am very grateful that God allowed me to become friends with such an amazing person. The first time that I met him at work years ago, he gave me such good advice and encouragement. Every time that we spoke, he was always uplifting and caring no matter the situation. He always spoke highly of his wife and children, and he was very proud of them. To me he was and will continue to be a great role model. We will miss him very much.

    Our most sincere condolences to Donna, Kelsey, Kyle, his family and everyone like us that will miss him.

    Hector Trevino
  33. The best uncle I had ever had .I miss you and love you. -Courtney

    heather
  34. Donna, Kelsey and Kyle

    First, I would like to express my heartfelt condolences to you and all of Walter’s family. I retired from CenterPoint Energy just over two years ago and moved near Ft Worth; thus, I just learned of Walter’s passing. I was/am still devastated by the news. He had a spirit that was indomitable. There are so many wonderful things to be said about Walter that I would simply like to say ditto to all the accolades made above. I met Walter in the HL&P days when we shared a van pool back and forth to work. Then, in more recent years our paths often crossed at the corporate office in downtown. I was fortunate enough to be invited to play poker with Walter and his friends. At this point Kelsey and Kyle were preschoolers as I recall. I was not a very good poker player, but how I enjoyed those games with Walter, especially building the pot when we played “7 card stud, good luck if you stay”. With Walter’s passing the world will be a little darker in my view. May your faith comfort you and carry you through this difficult time.

    Robert Hughes

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