Darmond Wayne Hunter

Darmond Wayne Hunter, age 66, longtime Clinton resident, was born November 10, 1959, in Clinton, Oklahoma, to Jack and Mildred O’weata (Trench) Hunter, and passed away Monday, October 26, 2026 in Wichita Falls, Texas, following a tragic accident while working.

Darmond was raised in Clinton, where he attended Clinton Public Schools and graduated from Clinton High School in 1978. Growing up, he was actively involved in agriculture and enjoyed showing livestock throughout his high school years. Those early experiences helped shape his strong work ethic, determination, and appreciation for hard work, qualities that would remain with him throughout his life.

Following graduation, Darmond went to work alongside his father at Hunter Motor Services. He spent many years working with his dad, learning the value of dedication, responsibility, and taking pride in a job well done. He later began what would become a long and successful career in road construction, an industry he remained devoted to for the rest of his life. During his final years, he worked for K and R Builders, an Oklahoma-based company. Darmond was never afraid of hard work, and he took great pride in the work he did and the friendships he made along the way.

One of Darmond's greatest passions was martial arts, something he dedicated much of his life to studying, practicing, and mastering. Through years of discipline and determination, he achieved the remarkable rank of sixth-degree black belt in Jeet Kune Do and earned a black sash in Bushido Kempo. His accomplishments were a reflection of his commitment, patience, and desire to continually improve himself.

But Darmond's love for martial arts went far beyond his own achievements. He had a passion for sharing his knowledge with others, especially young people. For many years, he operated his own local gym, where he taught karate and helped shape the lives of countless children. To Darmond, martial arts was about more than learning to defend yourself. It was about respect, discipline, confidence, and believing in yourself. He took great pride in watching his students grow, both in their abilities and as individuals. The lessons he taught extended far beyond the walls of his gym and left a lasting impression on many young lives throughout the Clinton community.

Outside of work and martial arts, Darmond was a man who truly knew how to enjoy life. He loved attending concerts, especially when there was good Red Dirt music playing. He enjoyed getting together with his longtime buddies, sharing old stories, laughing about the good times, and making new memories. Darmond was always happy to see a familiar face, but he was just as happy to meet someone new.

He was the kind of man who never met a stranger. Whether he had known you for years or had just met you five minutes earlier, Darmond could strike up a conversation and make you feel like an old friend. He had a welcoming smile, a lively personality, and a genuine interest in the people around him. He simply loved people, and he loved life.

And if there was music playing, there was always a chance Darmond might be dancing. He loved to dance and was never shy about showing someone else a few steps. In fact, he was known to teach just about anyone willing to learn, sometimes even complete strangers. That was Darmond. He didn't need a special occasion to have a good time. He believed in enjoying the moment, sharing a laugh, and making the most out of life.

As much as Darmond enjoyed his many interests, nothing meant more to him than his family. His children and grandchildren were his greatest pride and joy. He loved attending his grandchildren's sporting events and activities, cheering them on, encouraging them, and being involved in their lives. Whether he was watching from the sidelines, visiting with family, or simply spending time together, those moments were what mattered most to him.

Darmond had a special way of making life a little more enjoyable for those around him. He was hardworking yet fun-loving, disciplined yet easygoing, and always ready with a smile or a conversation. He lived life with enthusiasm and never seemed to let an opportunity pass to make someone laugh, teach someone something new, or simply enjoy the company of good friends and family.

Although his life was tragically cut short, Darmond leaves behind a lifetime of memories and a legacy that reaches far beyond his family. Through the young people he mentored in martial arts, the friendships he built throughout his career, and the countless lives he touched with his outgoing personality, his influence will continue to be felt for years to come.

Darmond was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and O’weata Hunter; his brother, Terry Hunter; his nephew, Terry “Bubba” Hunter; his great-niece, Monica Martinez; his infant nephew, Gregory Hunter; and his sister-in-law, Karen Hunter.

He is survived by his loving children, Eric Hunter and his wife Summer of Clinton, Kacie Hunter of Clinton, and Amanda Pacheco and her husband Joe of Ada, Oklahoma; his sister, Judy Russell and her husband Keith of Jacksonville, Florida; his brother, Harold Hunter of Clinton; and his sister-in-law, Shirley Hunter of Clinton.

He is also survived by his beloved grandchildren, Morgan Barton, Makia Musick, Evan Hunter, Claire Pacheco, Kaisan Thompson, Lyrik Hunter, and Sebastian Pacheco, along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and a host of dear friends.

Funeral services for Darmond Wayne Hunter will be held at 2:00 PM, Monday, November 2, 2026, at the First Christian Church in Clinton, Oklahoma, with Keith Russell and Ben VanVacter officiating. Burial will follow in the Clinton Cemetery, under the direction of Lee Hometown Funeral Home.

Visitation will be held at Lee Hometown Funeral Home on Saturday, October 31, 2026, from 8:00 AM until 6:30 PM, and Sunday, November 1, 2026, from 1:00 PM until 8:00 PM. The family will receive friends and guests on Sunday evening from 6:00 PM until 7:00 PM.

Darmond lived his life with a love for people, a passion for teaching, and a spirit that was always ready for the next adventure. He taught others the importance of discipline and strength, but perhaps his greatest lesson was simply how to enjoy life, appreciate the people around you, and never pass up the opportunity to make a new friend.

And somewhere in the memories of those who loved him, there will always be a good Red Dirt song playing, a story being told, a little laughter, and Darmond showing somebody how to dance.