Dr. Craig Alan Hunt

Craig Alan Hunt, 54, of Fishers, IN passed away at 4:50pm, on April 3, 2024 at home while being lovingly cared for by his wife and brothers. Craig was born December 5, 1969, to Thomas and Marie Hunt. From a young age, Craig knew he was destined for the medical field, but it wasn’t until his teenage years that he realized his passions focused on animal welfare and he decided on the veterinary field. 

While he made the embarrassing mistake of desiring a Hoosier education in his youth, the call of the Boilermakers broke through the cream and crimson haze, and thankfully he made the wise choice to seek the solid education and career future only Purdue University could provide. After graduating, Craig spent 5 years working in sales for Johnsonville, before the call of the animals, or the itch to spend a million hours studying got to him. He was accepted into Purdue Veterinary School where he earned his Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine in 2002. 

Craig first met his wife, Stephanie, at Purdue, when she shockingly sassed the exhausted, stressed-out Vet student for not (in her opinion) loving on the blood donor greyhounds enough. Also shockingly, that interaction was not a “love at first sight” moment for either party, and they each went their respective ways. Dr. Craig was a well-loved, much respected, and truly valued member of the Indianapolis veterinary community. Many clients had his personal phone number, and he sought to connect and network with many colleagues throughout his career. Truly, he was most fond of and greatly respected the hard-working, and insanely talented technicians that crossed his path. (Here’s looking at you… Darice, Wendy, Shawn, Lindsey, Dr. Christina, and Debbie)  As it would happen, Craig and Stephanie would cross, more friendly, paths as her friend, Darice, helped her obtain a job working at the same clinic as Craig, and thus sealed their fates.

Craig and Stephanie were married May 1, 2010 in an event that could only be described as Craig’s worst nightmare and Stephanie’s most anticipated dream moment. You see, they were opposites, Craig and Stephanie. He preferred sitting in the shadows, relaxing, and keeping things low key. While she rocked the biggest, sparkliest dress she could find right in the middle of the dance floor all night. He was always happiest knowing those he loved were truly happy. This was a foreshadowing for their life together. Craig was so proud to cheer Stephanie on through every passion-filled mission she went on, and Stephanie was forever present to privately encourage, offer him all the love, and root him on in every life adventure. Craig and Stephanie welcomed 4 of the most perfect, future Boilermakers together. Have no fear though. The mistakes of his youth don’t have a chance of being repeated in their house. Black and gold, all day, every day here.

 When starting a family, Craig decided to step away from small animal practice and took a position in the corporate world. He never lost his love for practice, and he was always happy to talk friends and family through a health scare or pet crisis. To know Craig was to laugh, like belly laugh, the entire time you talked with him. While he preferred a more private existence, if you were lucky enough to spend any time with Craig, he would have you rolling with laughter for hours with his antics and loveable personality. It’s one of Stephanie’s most favorite things about him, and what she will miss the most.

Craig leaves behind his wife, Stephanie (Buckles); children, Asher Steven (10), Gretl Lovie (6), Callen Kiefer (4), and Monroe Evie (4); brother, best friend, and forever protector, Scott and sister-in-law, Candi Floreancig; brother, Brent, and sister-in-law, Denise O’Connell; parents, Thomas and Marie Hunt; gramps, Dave Phillips; in-laws, Steven and Janice Buckles, Amanda (Boris) Barash, Billy (Tram) Buckles, and Matthew (Rachel) Buckles; along with 5 nieces and nephews. 

He was preceded in death by his Grandmommy, Mattie Phillips. He was most looking forward to meeting back up with his “friend soulmate”, Brian Kiefer, who preceded him in death in 2017. These two met at Purdue and the ridiculous antics their wives heard about and witnessed had them, always, rolling with laughter. Stephanie is most comforted knowing the two of them are reunited, most definitely fishing, and the smile she knows is on Craig’s face gives her much peace in his absence.

A Celebration of Life will be held at later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to The PourHouse (https://www.pourhouse.org/) in Craig’s memory. One of Craig’s most beloved clients operates this Non-Profit, and the love they share with the community has always been a mission Craig deeply admired.