Harold Lee Hurst

To join the livestream of Harold's memorial service, please select the link below. The livestream will begin at 4:50 P.M. CST Saturday, April 15, 2023. It will also be archived for later viewing. https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/index.php?data=MTY4MTM1NjQyNzI0NTg5OSZvbmVyb29tLWFkbWluJmNvcHlfbGluaw== Harold Lee Hurst, age 85 years, a resident of rural Buncombe, Illinois, passed away Tuesday evening, April 11, 2023, at 8 PM at his home. Harold was born September 30, 1937 at his family home in Coles County, Illinois to Robert Lee and Maxine (James) Hurst. He was united in marriage to Debbie Silverthorn in 2006 in Sikeston, Missouri. She survives. He is also survived by: two sons - Clint Lee Hurst of Barcelona, Spain and Clay Del (his wife, Ivy) Hurst of Springer, Oklahoma; a sister - Joyce (her husband, John) Williams of Charleston, Illinois; a sister-in-law - Sonja Hurst of Charleston, Illinois; as well as nieces and nephews. Also, Harold is survived by dear friends who he considered as family: Stacey, Shelby and Nelson. In addition to his parents, Harold was preceded in death by a stepson - Cory Stotts; and a brother - Harry Hurst. Harold was a graduate of Charleston, Illinois High School and served in the Army Reserves from 1960-1966. Harold served as a Johnson County Commissioner from December 1972 - December 1975. Additionally, he was a 3 term member of the Buncombe Grade School Board of Education and was recognized in 2011, 2012, 2015, and 2020 for his dedication, commitment and accomplishments in the 50 year horse society. He attended and served as a deacon at Vienna Church of Christ. Harold was a lifelong rancher and cowboy. He enjoyed roping and trail riding. Catching cattle for people was his passion. Harold’s partners were his dogs and horses. His love for them was unmatched. Also, checking his momma cows was his day-to-day life – being able to live this way of life since the age of 19 – 85 was the dream! His boys were his proudest possessions! He raised them to be strong, capable men; to follow their dreams. He has touched many people all over this country with his knowledge of horses and cattle. Harold never met a stranger and loved two-step dancing. A celebration of the life of Harold Lee Hurst will be held Saturday, April 15, 2023 at 5 PM at Bailey Funeral Home. Pastor Jason Forby and Brother Phillip Jones will officiate. The family will receive relatives and friends prior to the service on Saturday, April 15, 2023 from 3 PM - 5 PM. Following the service, there will be a time of fellowship with a meal served at the 1818 Event Center located at 119 Harnerville Loop, Vienna, Illinois. Memorials may be made to the Vienna High School scholarship fund, for the purpose of establishing a memorial scholarship in Harold’s name. Donations may be mailed to the school at 601 North First Street, Vienna, Illinois 62995 or left in the care of Bailey Funeral Home. Please make checks payable to Vienna High School and memo “Harold Hurst Memorial”.

Harold Lee Hurst

September 30, 1937 - April 11, 2023