William Dewitt Hunter, 85, a resident of Calumet, Louisiana, passed away peacefully, July 24, 2023, at University Medical Center in New Orleans. He departed this world surrounded by his loving family, leaving behind a legacy of justice, wisdom, and boundless generosity as a man of God and a member of the Catholic Church.
Bill’s journey began August 7, 1937, the son of Dewitt Hiram Hunter and Katherine Pearl May Hunter, in Roxana, Illinois. A thirst for knowledge was instilled in him early on and led him to pursue a business degree from Washington University in St. Louis followed by a law degree from Louisiana State University. He moved to Morgan City, Louisiana, in the mid-60s, where he began a distinguished 35-year career practicing law, specializing in maritime and personal injury cases.
Bill’s dedication to the pursuit of justice extended beyond the role of attorney. In 1995, he donned the judge’s robe, having been elected to a state court judgeship unopposed. During his time in the 16th Judicial District Court, Bill paved the way for the district’s first drug treatment court and received national recognition for his efforts. His work with the program was a testament to his compassion and desire to make a positive impact on the lives of those who sought redemption. After retiring from the bench in 2009, Bill continued to offer his guidance to countless individuals often working pro bono right up until his last days. Away from work, Bill found solace and contentment at his plantation home on Bayou Teche in Calumet.
In the arms of his family, Bill found joy and companionship. He will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his wife of 26 years, Mary Colleen Whitley Hunter; his four children, Michelle Hunter Trapp and her husband, Ronnie Trapp, Katherine Hunter Fondren, William Dewitt Hunter II and Robert Glenn Hunter; five grandchildren, Mary Frances Aucoin, Emma Levert Aucoin, Sutton Avery Fondren, Audrey Elaine Trapp, and Reine Augusta Fondren. Bill cherished his role as husband, father and grandfather, and while it often went unspoken, it was never doubted by those he loved and who loved him. His children and grandchildren will each carry forward his legacy with pride and love.
He also leaves behind a brother, Robert Gene Hunter, and his wife, Carolyn, and their children and grandchildren.
Bill was truly grateful to his devoted assistant of 43 years, Sue Adams, and her husband, Mike Adams. They were and still are family. Henry Aucoin and the medical teams at Ochsner Hospital, especially Barbara O’Connell and University Medical Center, also earned the family’s deepest gratitude.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Dewitt and Pearl Hunter; one sister, Patsy Haeuber, and one brother, Francis Dean Hunter.
In lieu of flowers, the family has lovingly requested that donations be made to Central Catholic and/or Holy Cross Catholic Church.
A Roman Catholic Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 29, 2023, at Holy Cross Catholic Church. Prior to the service, a rosary will be recited at 10:30 a.m. Following the Mass, Bill will be laid to rest in the Morgan City Cemetery Mausoleum.
Bill’s memory will be a beacon of inspiration for all who knew him. May his soul find peace in the embrace of eternity, and may his legacy continue to shine brightly in the hearts and minds of those he touched.