Joseph Vincent “Bumper” Hunley, 94 years old of Antioch, Ill. passed away Sunday, Dec. 25, 2016 at his home. He was born June 13, 1922 in Cheyenne, Wyo., the son of the late Jesse N. and Gretchen (McCall) Hunley. On Jan. 14, 1951, Joseph married Valerie McElroy in Mountain Lakes, N.J. and she preceded him in death on Aug. 30, 2004. Joseph served his country in the United States Army during World War II in the European Theatre under General Patton. He also served stateside during the Korean War performing USO shows. He graduated Goodman Theatre in Chicago with a Master’s Degree in directing. He and his wife Valerie were founders of PM&L Theatre in Antioch where he directed and performed in many plays. He was also a professional actor who appeared in many commercials and was a director at the Woodstock Opera House. Joseph and his wife also raised registered Shetland ponies for over 20 years. He was an active member of the Lions Club of Antioch and a Past-President.
Joseph is survived by his children, Dr. Heather (Dr. Kenneth) Curtis of Shullsburg, Pamela (Vince) Engler of Bristol, Robin (Kenneth) Kasuboski of Burlington, Robert (Joan) Hunley of Apache Junction, Ariz.; his nine grandchildren, Dr. Vanessa Curtis (Dr. Andy Petersen), Dr. Janelle (Eric) Eckdhal, Dr. Valerie (Dr. Joshua) Cross, Bridget (Keith) Berger, Brittany Engler, Heidi (Joe) Patla, Stephanie (Kenny) Regnier, Stacey Hunt, and Brian Hunt; and his eight great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents and his wife, Valerie, he was preceded in death by his twin brother, Jesse and his sister, Betty Lou.
Funeral Services with Military Honors will be held at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 29, 2016 at the Strang Funeral Home of Antioch, 1055 Main St. Antioch, Ill., 60002. Interment will be in Rosehill Cemetery, Chicago at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Dec. 30, 2016. Visitation will be held from 3:00 p.m. until the start of the service Thursday evening at the funeral home. For additional information, call 847-395-4000. Please sign the online guestbook for Joseph at www.strangfh.com.