Benjamin Alan “Ben” Hunter passed away on Feb. 27, 2026 in Hermiston at the age of 52.
He was born on Jan. 2, 1974 in Pendleton to Michael R. Hunter and Marsha J. McCormmach.
Ben was the first baby born at Pendleton Community Hospital in 1974, which he said was his claim to fame. His family lived in Pendleton for a short time before moving to The Dalles and then settled in Hermiston when Ben was 2 years old. Ben attended West Park Elementary School and Armand Larive Middle School and then graduated from Hermiston High School in the class of 1992. He was active in sports from a young age, starting with Little League and youth wrestling and then playing football in high school. Ben continued his education at Blue Mountain Community College, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts.
Ben met Stacy Edwards in November 1996; they were engaged in October 1997 and united in marriage in June 1998. To this union came two children, Kaylee and Tyler.
Ben worked for A & M Supply during high school and went back in 1997. He worked for UPS and Marlette while in college and later for Central Machinery for 10 years and RDO Equipment for 12 years. Ben and Stacy bought A-Plus Connectors in July 2022 after growing tired of the corporate grind and were blessed to have been at each other’s side nearly 24 hours a day for the last 3 1/2 years.
Ben enjoyed hunting for deer, elk and pheasants with his wife, son, son-in-law and many lifelong friends that have countless stories that are often recalled and shared. He and Stacy also enjoyed playing golf together, and Ben was on the Kings and Queens Couple Golf Tournament Committee as well as playing in the Blue Mountain Golf Tournament for several years. They enjoyed camping with his family at Jubilee Lake over Labor Day weekend, which included many close family friends. He also enjoyed going up to his family’s cabin on the north fork of the Umatilla River, where he spent many of his summers with his grandparents. This has been a tradition that has been passed down for many generations.
He is survived by his wife, Stacy Hunter; daughter, Kaylee Linker (Bryce); son, Tyler Hunter; two wonderful grandsons, Barrett and Everett, with a granddaughter on the way; mother, Marsha McCormmach; father, Michael Hunter; brother, John Hunter (Dusti); nephew, Mitchell Hunter; and niece, Daneel Hunter.
Ben was preceded in death by his grandparents, Marshall and Peg McCormmach and Keith and Sue Hunter.
A celebration of life service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 7, 2026 at Zeal Church, 730 E. Hurlburt Ave., Hermiston.
Burial will follow at the Hermiston Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make contributions in Ben’s memory to the American Cancer Society.
Ben’s family would like to thank Dr. Milani and his team at the Good Shepherd Cancer Center, Dr. Kraus and team at Kadlec Cancer Center, Dr. Blackburn at OHSU Oncology Department, and Good Shepherd ER Department for their compassionate care for Ben.
Please share memories of Ben with his family at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
