Harold Le Roy Hurst, the son of Ernest Elvin and Laura Mae (Watkins) Hurst, was born January 17, 1939, in Hamburg, Iowa. He attended Farragut, Iowa, Riverton, Iowa, Humbolt, Nebraska, and Fairview, Kansas, schools. In 1952, Harold moved back to Hamburg, graduating from Hamburg High School in 1957.
In 1955, Harold joined the Iowa National Guard in Shenandoah, Iowa, receiving his honorable discharge in 1958. Later that same year, Harold entered the United States Navy and proudly served his country as a Quartermaster on the U.S.S. Hancock Aircraft Carrier, receiving his honorable discharge in 1962.
Harold was employed in many capacities over the years, but he especially enjoyed working with the elderly as a cook at the nursing home in Sidney, Iowa, for 10 years and then managing the Sidney Nutrition Center, retiring in the mid 2000’s. Harold loved collecting light houses. Harold passed away Sunday, August 25, 2019, at Tarkio Rehabilitation Center, at the age of 80.
In addition to his parents, Harold was preceded in death by daughter-in-law, Cathy Hurst; grandson, Jimmy Diaz; brothers, Harvey and Glen Hurst; and sisters, Lois Crecelius and Beulah Harris. Survivors include sons, Bryan Hurst and wife, Debbie, Tarkio, Missouri, Kevin Hurst, Fort Collins, Colorado, and his wife, Debbie Hurst, Rock Port, Missouri, and Shawn Hurst and wife, Glenda, Tarkio; four grandchildren, Laura, JoAnna (Tryston), Travis (Scott) and Amber; seven great-grandchildren, Noah, Lilly, Cameron, Leila, Jonas, Phaelynn and Trysta; sister, Hazel Cowles, Indianola, Iowa; friends, Cameron and Melissa Lekey and their children; four-legged companion, Wire; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A graveside service and inurnment was held Friday, August 30, 2019, at Home Cemetery, Tarkio. Pastor Andy Campbell officiated. Military rites were under the auspices of Allen-Schiffern American Legion Post #199, Tarkio. Memorials may be directed to the Tarkio Nutrition Center.
Online condolences may be left at www.minterfuneralchapels.com. Services were under the direction of Davis Funeral Home, Tarkio.