Warren man who died in Florida was youthful for his age

Staff report

WARREN

Family members say Milton C. Hunter, 82, of Warren, who died in a single-car crash on Interstate 75 near Sarasota, Fla., on Thursday, “was like a 60-year-old.”

William Collins of Warren, a nephew, said Hunter had made the trip to Florida and back “40 to 50 times” and was on his way home from checking on property he owned in Bonita Springs, Fla., when the accident occurred.

“Even though he was 82, he was like a 60-year-old,” Collins said of his uncle, who had retired from American Welding of Warren. “He was active for his age,” said Collins’ wife, Margie.

“He had just visited his niece and played golf. He just turned 82,” William added.

The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office said Hunter was attempting to avoid tire debris in the center lane of the highway and swerved over the east shoulder, where he lost control of his 2004 Chevrolet Trailblazer. The vehicle flipped over once and came to rest on its hood.

Family members believe something inside the Trailblazer struck Hunter, severing his spine and killing him instantly, William said.

“It hit the family hard because he was a hard-working man, and he helped without even being asked,” Margie Collins said.

Hunter was known as a handy person to have around.

“He could fix anything – cars, electronics, and if he didn’t know, he would find out. He would give you the shirt off of his back,” William said, getting choked up.

Funeral arrangements are pending.