Edward Hunt, 74, of Des Plaines, formerly of Park Ridge, died Monday in Ballard Healthcare Center, Des Plaines. Mr. Hunt retired in 1983 as vice president of marketing at the former Chemetron Corp., Chicago. He was a 20-year employee of the welding, gas and piping company. During World War II, Mr. Hunt served with the 1st U.S. Marine Corps Division at Guadalcanal and elsewhere in the Pacific. He was declared missing in action for 1 1/2 years during the war after he separated from his troop in the Solomon Islands. Mr. Hunt was awarded two Purple Hearts and a Silver Star, among other decorations. He was recalled into service in the Marines during the Korean War. “He was a people person,” said his wife, Alice Jean. “He was a real good grandpa and great-grandpa.” Other survivors include a son, Anthony; two daughters, Marsha Hawkins and Debra Borden; a sister, Barbara Townsend; seven grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. A visitation will be held from 4 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, when a service will begin in G.L. Hills Funeral Home, 745 Graceland Ave., Des Plaines.
