Deborah Hunt

Debby Hunt passed away peacefully at age 95 with family at her side December 6, 2024, at her final home, Brewster Place Health Center; Topeka, KS.

 Born October 20, 1929, in Topeka, Kansas to Emily Barber and Donald Scott; Debby graduated from Highland Park High School in 1947. She worked her way through Washburn College, graduating in 1951 with the BS in Sociology and a minor in Psychology. Upon graduation Debby worked for the Menninger Foundation for two years.

Debby married Harold “Bud” Hunt April 20, 1952, at the Congregational Church in Topeka. Their three children: Karen Exon, PhD (Robert DDS) of Council Grove KS, Stephen Hunt (Abby) of Lawton OK, and Dee Dee Hunt (Ed Shelley) of Topeka; four grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren survive.

Debby and Bud owned and operated a series of Topeka businesses from the mid-1960s to the mid-1990s. Hunt’s Hardware & Lumberteria was opened at Fairlawn Plaza Shopping Center in the mid-1960s and a second Hunt’s Hardware opened in the early 1970s at Westboro Mart. Debby oversaw buying and stocking for the House-wear and Gifts departments. She and Bud traveled twice annually to Mexico on buying trips for those sections of their stores. They closed out the hardware stores in 1979 and opened Hunt’s Gift World and the neighboring Hunt’s Liquor Store at 21st and Randolph which operated until the mid-1990s.

With children raised, Debby decided to return to the Menninger Foundation 1979 where she worked as an Admissions Assistant for the Children’s Division for the next 11 years. From 1981 to 1995 she and Bud served as a “host family” for former Menninger Foundation adult patients who transitioned from hospitalization to their home communities.

When not working, Debby and Bud enjoyed sailing their Lightning sailboat at the Lake Shawnee Yacht Club. After retirement in 1990, Bud encouraged Debby to take up the game of Golf. She became an active member of the SCC Ladies 9-Hole Golf Association and enjoyed playing Bridge with several groups.

Harold “Bud” Hunt passed away too early, January 1, 1999.

Debby engaged in the Topeka community in other ways. She actively volunteered for CASA of Shawnee County (Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children), the Washburn University Mulvane Art Museum, Arab Shriners of Topeka, and P.E.O.

 A companion of 15 years, Bob Miller, passed July 13, 2016.

Private family service for Debby Hunt will be held at a future date. Debby’s family suggests memorial contributions may be made to the Washburn Mulvane Art Museum, the Countryside Methodist Church of Topeka, KS, or Washburn University.