Larry Hunt has helped keep Crawfordsville beautiful and clean for nearly five decades, working for the Crawfordsville Street Department.
He is a familiar face to many in the community and could be spotted downtown in his bright orange Kubota work truck.
Hunt has had many responsibilities over the years. His day started early, waking up at 1 a.m. for his 4 a.m. shift. His main duties were mowing, keeping the roads clean, and sweeping several parking lots around downtown. He is most proud of keeping all the flowers downtown healthy and vibrant, watering them nearly every day.
Hunt said it wasn’t all work over the years, there were times he would play in his early years. In his 20s working at the street department, he would get into snowball fights with some of his co-workers.
“We’d get in the truck and go down the road and we’d throw them (snowballs) at each other,” he said. “Our boss caught us, thank God he didn’t fire us.”
He’s had scary moments during his career as well.
“One time I slipped off the truck and the truck slid and pinned me against the telephone pole,” Hunt said.
While pinned, the truck cut through his leg deep enough to nearly reach his tendon. Thankfully, he made a full recovery.
Hunt has had many roles over the years, even outside of working for the city. He also retired from Wabash College in September, where he had worked since 1977. For 10 years, Hunt took on the role of Santa Claus at the mall.
Outside of working diligently for the city he has raised four children, two of whom are still in high school. He also has five grandchildren.
His oldest, Christopher Hunt, said his father used to coach baseball and soccer for several years.
One of the children he coached has worked with him for the last 22 years.
Chad Hodges has known Hunt since he was five years old. Hunt coached his soccer team and he also played baseball with Christopher.
Hodges said that since working together, Hunt is a lot more mellow now.
“When he was a coach, he treated us great, but fiery. He hated to lose, which I do too, which is awesome,” Hodges said.
Hodges said Hunt is the first person to help someone in need.
“He’s just a great all-around guy. He’ll do anything for you. No questions asked,” Hodges said.
Many of his co-workers agree with Hodges.
“He looks out for other people,” said Rhonda Niece, the department’s administrative assistant.
Hunt’s co-workers gathered Friday to celebrate his last day of work. The street department gave him a special gift to send him off into retirement, a customized jacket with the years of his service embroidered on the front. They also gave him a new Kubota hat.
His co-workers said Hunt’s presence will be missed.
Hunt’s wife of 45 years, Sherry Hunt, doesn’t expect her husband will relax anytime soon, even with his well-earned retirement.
“He’ll stay home a couple weeks and then he’ll be out doing something,” she said.
Another retirement party will be held at 10 a.m. Friday at the Crawfordsville District Public Library, 205 S. Washington St. Members of the community are invited to celebrate with Hunt and his family.
