Elton Elias Hunt

August 31, 1930 – January 14, 2026

Elton Elias Hunt passed away peacefully surrounded by loving family members. He was born in Cedar City, Utah, to Eliza Mignonette (Minetta) Bauer and Jonathan Alma Hunt. He was the eighth of twelve children: Catherine, Reion, Hortense, Claudia, Maxine, Alma, Shirley, Delone, Delores, Jeannee and Gary.

Elton spent his boyhood growing up in Enterprise, Utah, where his love of athletics, hard work, and community took root. In 1948, he graduated from Enterprise High School, lettering three years in basketball and, at just 15 years old, competed on men's baseball teams due to the lack of youth teams at the time.

He continued his education at Dixie College, where he received an Associate of Arts degree in Biological Sciences. During his time at Dixie, he lettered in baseball—the only year the college sponsored a baseball team. He proudly participated in the 1950 All-Church Softball Tournament.

In late 1950, Elton answered a call to serve a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Central States Mission. He served as mission recorder for nearly half of his mission.

Elton served in the United States Army. After basic training, he reported to Fort Lewis on his birthday at age 23. He achieved the rank of Corporal and was recommended for promotion to Sergeant.

Elton attended Brigham Young University, graduating in 1957 with a degree in Physical Education. He went on to earn his Physical Therapy certificate at Children's Hospital Los Angeles and devoted 40 years to his profession as a physical therapist. His career included service with the Washington State Elks, Lourdes Hospital in Pasco and Washington Physical Therapy, where he was known for his skill, compassion, and dedication to helping others regain strength and independence.

He met Sharlene Jones at BYU. After 1.5 years of courtship, they were married in the Idaho Falls Temple. They shared nearly 69 years of marriage, building a life centered on faith, family, and service.

A devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Elton faithfully served as the first Stake President of the Kennewick Washington Stake for ten years. He and Sharlene served as missionary couple in the Florida, Fort Lauderdale mission in 1996. They also served in the Seattle Washington Temple and later at the Columbia River Temple where he served as Ordinance Worker, Sealer and Counselor.

Elton is survived by his beloved wife, Sharlene; his children: Jeffrey (Dana), Cynthia Grimm (Phillip), Jennifer Daniel (William), Jonathan (Kristin), and Ryan (Erin); 19 grandchildren; and 24 great-grandchildren, with one more on the way.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Sharlene's parents, two brothers and seven sisters.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 24, at 11:00 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 895 Gage Blvd., Richland, WA. Viewings will be held Friday, January 23, from 5:00–7:00 p.m., and Saturday, January 24, from 10:00–10:30 a.m., at the same location.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations to the Humanitarian Aid Fund or Missionary Fund of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, or Tri-Cities Chaplaincy-Hospice.