Thursday, December 27, 2012

Donald Hurd (December 26, 2012)

Donald Hurd, 79, of Richmond, Indiana, and most recently of Palestine, Ohio, went to be with his heavenly family on December 26, 2012, while in Hospice Care in Reid Hospital and Healthcare Services in Richmond. Don and twin brother Dean were born on May 6, 1933 to Theophilus and Gladys (Clemens) Hurd in Dayton Ohio. Shortly after their birth, the family moved to Darke County, Ohio, where nine children were raised. Don graduated from Palestine High School in 1952. He loved baseball and track, and was a baseball pitcher in high school. He later pitched for an independent baseball team. He served two years in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict. After military service, he worked for GTE/Verizon Telephone Company, retiring in December 1991 with 26 years of service. He was the “THE MAN IN THE TELEPHONE TRUCK”.

He was an avid Nascar fan, and traveled to many races. Another big interest was Wheel Horse tractors. He always kept busy by working on his tractors and doing tractor pulls, and was willing to help his neighbors with their lawns. While his children were young, he served as a Little League Coach for many years and enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren participate in sports.

Don was preceded in death by his parents and infant brother James. He is survived by four children: Keven (Karen) of Richmond, In. Kathy (Andy) Pollock of Fort Wayne, In. Kelley (Lance) Brown of Richmond, Indiana, and Jessica (Josh) Parker of Richmond, Indiana; three grandchildren, Corey Drake, Brittany Brown, and Jaelyn Parker and step-grandson Roger Sams. He also had 2 surviving great-grandchildren, Kaylee and Abby Sams.

Also surviving are twin brother Dean (Mary), and Brothers Richard, Frank and Ralph (Ann) of Greenville, David (Barbara) of Indianapolis, and sisters Elizabeth Olinger of Dayton, Edith (Joseph) Perkins of Richmond, and Gloria (Terry) Buckingham of Greenville. He is also survived by his special friend and companion Donna Joan Abner of Palestine, and many nieces and nephews.

Friends may call on Sunday December 30, 2012 from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Zechar Bailey Funeral Home, Greenville, Ohio. Services will be held on Monday December 31, 2012 at 11:00 AM at Zechar Bailey Funeral Home in Greenville, Ohio with Pastor Bob Boyd officiating. Burial will be in Clemens Cemetery in Darke County. Military honors will be conducted by the Greenville Veterans Honor Guard at the funeral home.

Condolences for the family may be sent to www.zecharbailey.com