Hunter Joseph Hoyd

Hunter Joseph Hoyd, 18 of Newark, Ohio, passed away unexpectedly as the result of an auto accident on Sunday, November 12, 2023.

Born June 14, 2005, at Licking Memorial Hospital in Newark, Ohio, he was the son of Cathy McKee (Keenan) and Matt Hoyd (Jenny).

Hunter was a member of the 2023 graduating class of Licking Valley High School and CTEC. While attending CTEC, Hunter studied in the Diesel Mechanics Program where he earned several credentials. Hunter’s goal was to pursue a career working on cars, trucks and anything he could custom build. Most recently, Hunter worked at Walmart, in Newark, as a cashier. He enjoyed his job and especially the people with whom he worked.

Following in his Papa’s footsteps, Hunter loved baseball! His Little League career was spent at North Newark, where he was one of the best left handed catchers in Licking County (just ask his mom)! One of his most notable memories was when he hit a walk-off homerun to knock The Licking Valley Allstars team (his homeschool) out of a summer tournament. Another notable memory was the day he hit a grand slam home run on his Papa’s birthday! In 2016, Hunter played for the All-Stars and his team had an undefeated season winning every tournament that summer! As he got older, Hunter returned to North Newark as an umpire for the Little League program. Hunter also enjoyed the summers that his family hosted the Licking County Settler Players. He made lasting friendships during this time and gained some extra brothers.

Hunter also loved wrestling and wrestled from Kindergarten through middle school. He earned so many medals from his wrestling tournaments, his mom had a custom built shelf made to display them all. When it came to sports, Hunter wanted to try it all. He played soccer for a season, basketball, flag football, lacrosse, and basically anything that involved a ball. Hunter also loved skating at the ice skating rink with his friends for recreation.

Hunter was most known for his wonderful sense of humor. He had a contagious laugh and always knew how to make others smile. In the days since his passing his family has seen the depth of his humor with the outpouring of stories shared by his friends. He was the perfect blend of ornery and fun-loving, but underneath it all, he had a very tender heart.

Hunter’s best friend was his big brother, Seth. Whether it be ornery, late night antics or uncontrollable laughter, their bond was one of a kind. Unlike a typical little brother, Hunter didn’t hang on the fringe of Seth’s group of friends, but inserted himself right in the heart of it! The brothers loved all the family vacations to Myrtle Beach, attending one another’s sporting events and just spending time with each other's friends. With each passing year their love grew deeper and stronger.

Along with his parents and brother, Hunter is survived by his maternal grandparents, Papa Joe and Mimi Marilyn Neff of Newark, Uncle Mike and Aunt Gigi (Jennifer) Neff of Galena, cousins, Katie, Emily and Jake Neff, paternal grandparents, Papa Ed and Grandma Di (Diana) Hoyd of Newark, Uncle Gregg Hoyd of Newark, and cousin Bailey Hoyd. Special Uncle Ron and Aunt Shell (Michelle) Acord of Patalaska and numerous special friends who were dear to him.

Hunter didn’t live a lot of years, but he did a lot of living in those years. His family is forever grateful for his life and thankful to God for the time He gave us with him.

Family and friends may call from 4pm-6pm on Tuesday, November 21, at Northside Baptist Church, 595 Goosepond Road, Newark, Ohio. A memorial service will be held following the calling hours with Pastor Tim Carr presiding. Hunter was not a formal kid by any means so please come in casual dress as he hated dressing up and being uncomfortable and wouldn’t want you to endure that either.

Hunter’s wish was to be an organ donor. Since the circumstances didn’t allow for that envelopes will be available for donations to be made in Hunter’s honor to Mended Reeds. We know Hunter would want to pay it forward and his family wishes to honor that.