John T. Hunkler

John Hunkler

June 28, 1944 – September 13, 2023

John Hunkler (79) of West Chester was a retired police officer and is survived by his wife of 53 years Darlene (Shelley).  Children Tim, Michele and Matt (Lisa); 5 grandchildren: Jacob, Alex, Rose, Lucy and Max.  He is also survived by his siblings Tom, Mary, Judy (Jim), Ron (Wyvona) and Larry.   Brother in Law Mike (Carmen) Shelley.  Many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews.  Also, many cousins and friends.  He is preceded in death by his parents, Theodore (Pete) and Mary Hunkler, brother Ted, sisters-in-laws Pat Hunkler, Patty Hunkler, and brother-in-law Raymond Shelley

After battling several illnesses over the last few years, John died peacefully surrounded by family at West Chester Hospital on September 13, 2023. 

John grew up in West Chester, living here most of his life and dedicating himself in service to his fellow neighbors. His career in public safety services spanned more than 50 years with both the West Chester Fire Department, where he began working as a volunteer firefighter at the age of 18, and later with the West Chester Police Department.

John was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Hamilton Safety Council, and Ohio Crime Prevention Association where he served as District Representative, Treasurer, Vice President and President.

John loved spending time with his family, traveling and camping.

Visitation will be Thursday, September 21 from 10:00 am to 11:30 am at St. John’s Evangelist Church, 9080 Cincinnati Dayton Road with a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:30 am.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in John’s memory to Evan Huxsoll Memorial Scholarship Fund (https://hcfoh.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=3937). This scholarship is to support graduating seniors from Butler Tech’s Firefighting Program who plan to continue to pursue a Paramedics License at an accredited institution or to The Shield (www.theshieldohio.com).  The Shield serves the families of officers critically injured or killed in the line of duty within the Ohio counties of Butler, Hamilton and Clermont.