Jason Hunter

THEBES, Ill. -- Jason was passed from his earthly mother's arms into the waiting arms of his heavenly father Thursday, April 28, 2011. He celebrated his 32nd birthday April 23. He passed peacefully at home, following a brief illness.

Jason was born at Southeast Hospital in Cape Girardeau. Despite being born with cerebral palsy, he enjoyed a full life and a life full of love.

He enjoyed music and traveling around the country and beyond. His journeys have taken him to the Caribbean and England, and to Rome and the Mediterranean. He enjoyed meeting people and has touched the lives of many people at home and abroad. Jason was a member of St. Mary Cathedral in Cape Girardeau, and a graduate of Egyptian Community Unit 5 in Tamms, Ill.

Survivors include his mother and father, Judy Ann and Shapley R. Hunter of the home in Thebes; a brother, Shapley R. Hunter V of the home; his nanna, Marie Hunter of New Madrid, Mo.; five uncles, Billy (Janice), Floyd (Della) and Rodger (LaDonna) Johnson, John (Anita) Hunter and Tom Hunter; two aunts, Susan Hunter and LeAnn Branum; biological father, Tim Pearman of Cape Girardeau; and many family and friends around the world.

He was preceded in death by maternal grandparents, Arnold and Evelyn Johnson; his popo, John Alfred Hunter; paternal grandparents; and an uncle, Jim "Boone" Hunter.

Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Sunday at McMikle Funeral Home in Charleston, Mo., where prayers will be recited at 7.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 1:30 p.m. Monday at St. Mary Cathedral in Cape Girardeau, with the Rev. Tom Kiefer as celebrant. Interment will be Tuesday at 11 a.m. in IOOF Cemetery north of Charleston.

Pallbearers will be Kevin VanGilder, Ryan VanGilder, Dennis Middleton, Dudley Kesler and Allen "Chuck" Pearman.

Memorial contributions may be given to Cardinal Glennon Children's Medical Center, 1465 S. Grand Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63104, or St. Mary Cathedral Building on Faith, 615 William St., Cape Girardeau, MO 63703.