AUSTIN, Texas - A longtime Internal Revenue Service employee died this week when a pilot harboring a grudge against the agency flew his plane into a building in Austin, Texas, his family said Saturday.
Authorities investigating the crash have positively identified the remains of Vernon Hunter, 68, said family spokesman Larry McDonald. Hunter had been missing and presumed dead since Thursday, when software engineer Andrew Joseph Stack III slammed his plane into the building where Hunter worked as a manager for the IRS.
The Hunter family the released the following statement Saturday afternoon:
This afternoon, the Travis County Medical Examiner's office positively identified the remains of the "person unaccounted for" in the aerial attack on the Echelon building, in Austin, TX., on Thursday, February 18, 2010. Regrettably, they are the remains of Mr. Vernon Hunter of Cedar Park, TX. His wife, Valerie Hunter, has lost a devoted, loving and doting partner, friend and spouse. His children, Donald, Ken, and Christine have lost a father who absolutely adored them. He was their constant and loyal friend. Seven grandchildren: Don Jr., Jolene, Lutisia, Sienna, Quinn, Savannah, Athena, and one great grand child, Anastasia, will no longer have the love and affection of a grandfather who lived and breathed for them. The Greater Mt. Zion church family of Austin, TX, under the leadership of Gaylon Clark, is saddened beyond words at the loss of Vern's presence among us.
Vern also has three step-children: Justin, Crystin, and Tara Jackson. His three children and grandchildren are from his first marriage to Hallie Hunter, of El Paso, TX. We are grieving today as one family.
We are not the only family in mourning today. Our hearts go out to the wife and family of Andrew Joseph Stack. We are not angry with them because they did not do this. We forgive Joe for his actions which took Vern's "pound of flesh" with him. Joe had to be in a great deal of pain and distress so… the family and friends of Vernon Hunter, and the entire "Body of Christ" at The Greater Mt. Zion Church, pray for their peace and comfort this day, in the name of Jesus. We are also praying for any and every person whose life has been impacted by this terrible tragedy.
The local and national press has been awesome. We understand both their interest and persistence. Reporters from various local and national networks have been encamped around the Hunter residence. They have been patient, respectful and kind. We thank you.
We cannot acknowledge each person by name but suffice it to say this family has been surrounded by neighbors, friends, co-workers and spiritual family. The support and generosity of local business establishments like H.E.B., Shakes has been overwhelming. American and Continental airlines have contributed major discounted flights for family members. We acknowledge separately, the distinct, professional and spiritual guidance of Gaylon Clark and the entire Deacon Board of Great Mt. Zion Baptist Church and; our most sacred advisor, Mr. John Onstott, General Manager, Cook-Walden Funeral Home at 6100 North Lamar in Austin, TX.
Flags in the Hunter's beautiful Cedar Park community are at half-mass, as they should be across the country, in honor of this fallen soldier, until he is laid to rest.
Funeral arrangements for Mr. Hunter are pending. He will receive a full military funeral with honors in Austin, TX - the location, due to its size and scope, is yet to be determined. At Vern's request, he will be laid to rest at a PRIVATE burial in the National Cemetery at Fort Hood, TX. Quita Culpepper of KVUE News has been granted exclusive coverage of this event. NO OTHER PRESS WILL BE PERMITTED OR WELCOMED.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to a scholarship/trust fund for Vernon Hunter's grandchildren, to be established at the Austin Telco Federal Credit Union, under the direction of Mrs. Pamela Williams-Cotton. This process will not be complete until after burial services. Thank you.
