Beloved Chiropractor Dr. Howard LeRoy Hunt Dies at 80

The longtime Fairfield, Iowa practitioner was remembered for his community service and dedication to patient care.

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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Dr. Howard LeRoy Hunt, a beloved chiropractor who owned and operated Hunt Chiropractic Center in Fairfield, Iowa for over 50 years, passed away peacefully on March 1, 2026 at the age of 80. Hunt was remembered as a dedicated community member, active in organizations like Kiwanis, and for his commitment to providing quality chiropractic care to his patients.

Why it matters

Dr. Hunt's passing marks the end of an era for Fairfield's healthcare community, as he was a fixture in the town for over five decades. His commitment to service and patient care made him a beloved figure, and his retirement and move to North Carolina in 2025 to be closer to family was bittersweet for many. His death is a loss for the Fairfield community he served so faithfully.

The details

After serving in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam era, Dr. Hunt earned his Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Palmer College of Chiropractic in 1973. He then opened Hunt Chiropractic Center in Fairfield, which he owned and operated until his retirement in 2025. His wife Linda worked as a Chiropractic Assistant at the practice for over 35 years. In addition to his chiropractic work, Dr. Hunt was deeply involved in the Fairfield community, volunteering with Kiwanis and serving on the local draft board.

  • Dr. Hunt was born on April 24, 1945 in Adrian, Michigan.
  • He graduated from Palmer College of Chiropractic on December 20, 1973.
  • Dr. Hunt opened Hunt Chiropractic Center in Fairfield, Iowa in 1973.
  • He retired from his practice in June 2025.
  • Dr. Hunt passed away on March 1, 2026 at the age of 80.

The players

Dr. Howard LeRoy Hunt

A beloved chiropractor who owned and operated Hunt Chiropractic Center in Fairfield, Iowa for over 50 years until his retirement in 2025. He was deeply involved in the Fairfield community, volunteering with Kiwanis and serving on the local draft board.

Linda Hunt

Dr. Hunt's wife, who worked as a Chiropractic Assistant at Hunt Chiropractic Center for over 35 years.

Jennifer Kallio

One of Dr. Hunt's two daughters.

Heather Hunt

One of Dr. Hunt's two daughters.

Kiwanis Club of Fairfield, Iowa

The community service organization that Dr. Hunt was a longtime dedicated member of.

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What they’re saying

“Howard had a lifelong love of learning and of working with his hands. He enjoyed reading, playing the piano, harmonica, and accordion, and was known for his constant whistling.”

— Linda Hunt, Dr. Hunt's wife (wlen.com)

“His presence brought strength, reassurance, and quiet wisdom to those who knew him.”

— Linda Hunt, Dr. Hunt's wife (wlen.com)

What’s next

Funeral services for Dr. Howard LeRoy Hunt will be held on Monday, March 9, 2026 at the Anderson-Marry Funeral Home in Adrian, Michigan, with burial to follow at Lenawee Hills Memorial Park.

The takeaway

Dr. Howard LeRoy Hunt's long career as a beloved chiropractor and dedicated community member in Fairfield, Iowa left a lasting impact on the town. His commitment to patient care and service to organizations like Kiwanis made him a pillar of the local healthcare and civic community, and his passing marks the end of an era.