Bobby Young “Bob” Hunt passed away Easter Sunday, April 04, 2021 at NHC Health Care, Glasgow. He was born November 14, 1941 in Barren County, the only child of Young and Ceatrice Poynter Hunt. He married his high school sweetheart Linda Gayle Jolly in 1964. They met while at Caverna High School where both graduated. After high School Bob attended the Kentucky School of Mortuary Science, Louisville, graduating in 1963. Prior to mortuary school Bob completed his apprenticeship at the Burgess Moody Funeral Home in Bowling Green, KY. After graduation he was employed at Rogers Funeral Home, Clarkson, KY.
When the opportunity came to purchase the Gardner Funeral Home in their home town of Cave City, they opened the Bob Hunt Funeral Chapel in the former Jolly’s Restaurant in January 1970. Bob began his community service career providing Cave City with ambulance service for many years prior to the formation of the Barren-Metcalfe County Ambulance Service.
Bob also joined the Cave City Fire Department. He rose through the firefighter ranks finally taking over as Fire Chief in the mid 1970s. Under his leadership, the Cave City Fire Department built the station where they continue to house their equipment today. His department was the first volunteer fire squad in the BRADD area to acquire the Jaws of Life rescue tool used to free entrapped victims from wreckage. He encouraged his men to become certified EMT’s allowing his department to expand their ability to be effective first responders. Many went on to become professional firefighters. Under his leadership, the fire department was selected by the space agency NASA to test a computer program training firefighters on incident command, one of only two departments selected in Kentucky. One his proudest moments was when the department was asked to be the official fire department on the scene when President Ronald Reagan visited Mammoth Cave National Park. He was a founding member of the Barren County Fire Chiefs Association. His 21 years as fire chief, certified fire instructor, and certified firefighter impacted hundreds if not thousands of lives.
During this period, he was elected to the office of Barren County Coroner serving multiple terms. He was a founding Member of the Kentucky State Coroners Association and held various offices and served on several committees with the then new organization. As Coroner of Barren County, Bob was instrumental in changing the way coroners around the state were trained and certified to make the office more professional and more conducive to the legal side of the office. The way coroners’ offices across the state are required to be certified today is part of his long legacy.
After stepping down as Fire Chief and Coroner, Bob ran a successful campaign and became mayor of Cave City. Some of the highlights of his several terms include starting Cave City’s own garbage collection agency to control rising garbage pickup costs. For a time, Hunt was able to have a Barren-Metcalfe Co. Ambulance stationed in Cave City. He acquired funding for a new maintenance building. He was instrumental in the widening I-65 and improving the Cave City Interchange with high rise lighting, a bicycle trail and turning lanes. Among the other highlights of his leadership included lowering the city’s ISO Insurance ratings from the lowest score to one of the highest saving every property owner in Cave City hundreds of dollars in premiums every year. He was responsible for getting Cave City out of the national flood plan; again saving hundreds of dollars for individuals and businesses. He remodeled the Cave City Hall with new offices and meeting spaces and computerized all departments.. He held leadership positions in the Kentucky League of Cities, Western KY Corporation and BRADD. He became an important friend to Federal, State, and County officials with relationships that led to many grants and special funding streams to improve the City’s infrastructure including sidewalks connecting the Convention Center to the Interstate area. He was instrumental in obtaining funds to enlarge the Convention Center and build the Farmers Market Pavilion. His administration sponsored a number of tourism improvement projects and lured new businesses to Cave City.
For many years he voluntarily served as chairman of the Cave City Cemetery Board. On three occasions he was able to obtain more property for the cemetery at very little cost. He was responsible for the establishment of the Memorial Garden where annual Memorial Day Ceremonies are held.
He was a member of the Cave City Baptist Church, Cave City Chamber of Commerce, a charter member of the Cave Country Lions Club, and the KY and National Funeral Directors Association. He was a charter member of Barren Bassmasters. He served on the Board of Directors of the South Central Rural Telephone Company. He loved bass fishing, UK basketball and Nascar.
During his lifetime he was honored to receive many awards including; Citizen of the Year, The Ernie Award, and was inducted into Cave City’s Hall of Fame.
Perhaps, his most lasting legacy was the mentorship of many young people who can count his influences for their success in their careers. He and Linda, who had no children of their own, befriended many families and children throughout the years.
Bob is survived by his wife of 56 years, Linda Gayle (Jolly) Hunt and a special young man whom they called their grandson, Corey William Lohden, many cousins and countless friends.
Funeral services will be on Wednesday April 7th at 1 PM at the Bob Hunt Funeral Chapel, Cave City, with burial in the Cave City Cemetery. Visitation at the funeral home will be on Tuesday from 4 to 8 PM and on Wednesday from 10 AM until time of services.
In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Cave City Fire Department or to the Cave City Cemetery.
Due to the pandemic the funeral home capacity is limited to 60 % and everyone must wear a mask and maintain the six foot distancing as mandated by the governor. We regret that the lounge must remain closed and no food can be brought in.
