Mark Hunter

There could hardly be a more fitting way to remember Mark Hunter than by telling his story. After all, Mark was famous for stories of his own—usually delightfully long, almost always accompanied by outlandish embellishments, and told with such enthusiasm that everyone listening knew they were hearing something worth remembering. Every story reflected what mattered most to him: the people he loved. Through remarkable kindness, intentional generosity, and a genuine interest in others, Mark formed deep, lasting connections that left people amazed by how valued he made them feel. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend, Mark showed those around him how to live wholeheartedly, and his legacy will continue in the countless lives he touched.

Born in 1954, the year ‘Rock Around the Clock’ started shaking jukeboxes and M&Ms promised to melt in your mouth, not in your hand, Mark seemed to arrive with a backbeat in his bones and a sweet tooth in his smile. Those rhythms and small pleasures followed him through life. It was a time of robust change and much hope for the future. Nowhere was there more hope than in the hearts and home of Roger and Mildred (Carlson) Hunter as they welcomed Mark to their family on September 9 in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

From day one, Mark’s spirit was impossible to contain. From pouring salt in his sister Cathy’s milk to jumping over the couch to impress his babysitter and breaking his arm, his humor was disarming and invited connection. He proved great company for his younger sister Nancy, who looked up to him and enjoyed being with him and his friends, especially when they were toilet-papering the neighbors’ houses.

At Pioneer High School, Mark pitched for the baseball team, which ignited his lifelong passion for sports. Mark continued his education at Michigan State University. Not one to miss a tailgate, Saturdays in the stands weren’t just games. That’s where Mark found his people and shared “cheers” that became lifelong friendships.

After graduating from Michigan State University with a bachelor’s in accounting, he went on to receive his CPA. Mark worked his way up the career ladder in accounting, finance, marketing, and sales to eventually become President of SPX Contech, where he was able to retire at the age of 54. While starting his career, Mark was also focused on starting a family. He married his first wife, Jennifer Raisbeck, with whom he had three children: Jessica, Melissa and Scott.

At 41 years old, Mark and his family were shocked by his diagnosis of leukemia (CML). This was a turning point in Mark’s life. Faced with life threatening uncertainty, his intentionality and positive outlook bloomed. His uncontainable spirit was reawakened and emboldened him to fight with all his might through a bone marrow transplant, made possible by his sister Nancy (even though he says her bone marrow made him play golf like a girl). His greatest fight wasn't for himself—it was for more time with the people he loved.

Beneath Mark's humor and larger-than-life personality was a deeply reflective side. After finding great comfort, peace, and inspiration through meditation in response to his cancer, he started a spiritual blog that eventually received more than 10,000 likes on his posts (he may or may not have paid for a few of those likes).

Fortune gifted Mark the opportunity to meet his second wife, Susan, through a dating service called "It's Just Lunch." Susan’s “lucky #13” match was 30 minutes late to the date! But they quickly discovered a true connection that sparked from their shared commitment to nurturing relationships with their grown children. In addition to his devotion to his children, Susan was enamored by the love and care Mark provided to the most important woman in his life, his mother Millie. The icing on the cake was how Mark loved his new stepchildren, Grant and Erin.

Mark generously gave to his community. Whether it was a generous tip tucked into a card, becoming a Big Brother volunteer, helping a single mother buy a home, or quietly looking for ways to brighten someone's day, Mark had a remarkable gift for making people feel seen. He believed generosity was most meaningful when it was personal, often surprising others with thoughtful acts of kindness that demanded nothing in return. Though he received accolades for these works, such as the STAR Award, that was not his motivation. He did it because he saw the need. That generosity is his legacy.

That same intentionality shaped the way Mark loved his family. With genuine curiosity, he immersed himself in whatever captured the interests of his children and grandchildren. He and Melissa attended gem shows and made annual trips to NASCAR, a tradition he had once shared with his own dad. He enjoyed visiting Scott in New Orleans and Denver and loved Mardi Gras celebrations, where he was the life of the party. His love of sports became a treasured bond with Jessica as they shared countless sporting events and traditions throughout the years.

Each year, he biked the Kal-Haven Trail with his grandson Hunter, proudly documenting every mile with photos – they worked their way from 10 miles to 30 miles over 6 years. He loved taking each grandchild on a personal shopping trip for their birthday, even if it meant spending hours in the makeup and perfume aisles of Ulta with his granddaughter Charlotte. Annual trips to Mackinac Island and adventures at Silver Lake became treasured traditions, and he rarely missed an opportunity to cheer from the sidelines at grandsons Kaleb and Micah’s sporting events. Though his youngest grandchildren live in Seattle, he cherished every opportunity he had to rock Amalina and Brayden to sleep on his chest during annual visits.

Mark’s family celebrated many traditions at his homes in Fort Myers Beach and Gravel Lake, two of his favorite places. The Fort Myers Beach condo was a multi-generational Hunter family dwelling where the whole family made so many precious memories. Mark was known for his daily long walks on the beach where he picked up trash as a way to say thank you to the universe for his second lease on life.

Mark's legendary long stories will be remembered forever, especially by those who attended Jessica's wedding. Despite the imposed time limit for his speech, he spoke three times longer than instructed. When he finally concluded, the pastor remarked, "Now I know why the Lord turned water into wine." His stories weren't simply about what had happened. They were another way Mark celebrated the people he loved and ensured that special moments would never be forgotten.

Whether spending time with family or pursuing his own passions, Mark embraced life wholeheartedly. His car collection included several Corvettes, and he was a member of the Corvette Club. Over the years, Mark attended more than 50 concerts and cheered on countless Michigan State University football and Detroit Tigers baseball games. He also loved antiques and lots of sweets!

As we celebrate Mark's wonderful life, may we find comfort in our many treasured memories. May we also find comfort in the honor of carrying his legacy of generosity, love, and humor forward. In each moment we lead with our hearts, welcome a stranger as a friend, share our abundance with those in need, cheer on our loved ones' endeavors, indulge in a sweet treat, and enjoy a family adventure, we keep Mark's memory alive and inspiring others as he inspired us to live every moment to the fullest.

Mark Hunter of Lawton, age 71, died on July 8, 2026. Surviving are his wife, Susan; children: Jessica (Matt) Betz, Melissa (Joe Schuring) Hunter, Scott (Rachel Guillot) Hunter, Grant (Heather) Linacre, and Erin (Scott) May; grandchildren: Hunter, Charlotte, Kaleb, Micah, Amalina, and Brayden; siblings: Nancy Kingsbury and Cathy (Richard Russel) Hunter; niece Erin Russel, and many friends.

A celebration of life will be planned for a later date. Celebrate Mark’s life online by sharing your favorite stories and photos on his dedicated webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com.

P.S. Those of you who knew him well probably think this is his Christmas letter!