SMU remembers Norma Knobel Hunt

DALLAS (SMU) – SMU mourns the loss of Norma Knobel Hunt, who passed away on June 4, 2023, at the age of 85. A former Richardson High School teacher, Hunt was preceded in death by her husband, Lamar Hunt ’56. A devoted mother and passionate sports fan, Hunt was an enthusiastic Mustang parent and friend of SMU. She was the chairman of Unity Hunt Inc., a diversified holding company established to oversee the holdings of the Lamar Hunt family.

“We will remember Norma’s warm spirit and love of sports – especially football,” said SMU President R. Gerald Turner. “Her generosity to SMU students, athletes and faculty will have a lasting impact. We extend our heartfelt sympathies to her family members.”

Born and raised in Dallas, Hunt graduated from the University of North Texas (then North Texas State University). She was recently celebrated as the only woman to attend all 57 Super Bowls, including Super Bowl LVII on February 12, 2023 – an attendance streak she was encouraged to continue by her late husband, Lamar Hunt, founder of the Kansas City Chiefs. She was equally as passionate about sports as Lamar Hunt and could be found by his side at his sports achievements, including the founding of the American Football League (AFL), the Kansas City Chiefs football team, and three Major League Soccer (MLS) teams.

Hunt and her husband, a former member of the SMU Board of Trustees and the Guaranty Bank SMU Athletic Forum board of directors, were committed to investing in the future of athletics at SMU, having generously given toward the construction of the Gerald J. Ford Stadium; the Paul B. Loyd, Jr. All-Sports Center; and the Lamar Hunt Memorial, in addition to other funds and needs. In 1997, Lamar and Norma Hunt were the recipients of the SMU Mustang Award for longtime service and philanthropy to the University.

Norma Hunt is survived by her son SMU Trustee Clark K. Hunt ’87 and daughter-in-law Tavia Shackles Hunt, grandchildren Gracie Hunt ’20, Ava Hunt and Knobel Hunt; son Daniel L. Hunt ’00 and daughter-in-law Toni Muñoz-Hunt, grandchildren Darlington Hunt and Tennyson Hunt; as well as her step-daughter Sharron L. Hunt ’16, grandchildren Isabel Munson, Lamar Munson, Miles Munson and Thomas Munson; and stepson Lamar Hunt, Jr. and daughter-in-law Rita Dennis Hunt, grandchildren Lamar Hunt III, Andrew Hunt, John Hunt, Jocelyn Hunt and Sarah Hunt.

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