Jack Everett Hurley, 71, a lifelong resident of Huntsville, passed away Friday, Nov. 22, 2019, after a short and exhausting battle with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease).
Jack was born on May 11, 1948, to Glen and Edna (Milly) Hurley (both deceased). He married his first wife, Jean Ann Parker, and together they had two sons, Todd (Robert Losee) Hurley, and Josh (Rachael) Hurley.
In 1998, he married Kelly Sue Cooper. He leaves behind his two sons and their families, and two step-children, Benjamin (Jacquie) VanVoorhis, and Jennifer (Chuck) Hesser.
Step-daughter Jessica Brown Manns preceded Jack in death. Jack dearly loved all seven of his grandchildren, Mackenzie and Jackson Hurley, Alexander and Sophia VanVoorhis, Marleigh Wallace, and Memphis and Madelyn Manns. He also had two special boys that called him Pawpaw: Dawson and Camden Wallace.
Jack was one of eight children born to Glen and Milly. He is survived by all of his siblings: Shirley (Bill, deceased) Bell, Betty (Jim, deceased) Dickerson, Darel (Connie) Hurley, Bill (Dianna, deceased) Hurley, Barb (Greg) Luzader, Russel (LeaDel) Hurley, Millicent (David) Bray. Jack also is survived by many nieces and nephews who were special to him. They knew that they could count on him if they were ever in a tough spot or needed a helping hand.
Jack proudly served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam conflict. During his tour, he was exposed to Agent Orange and wounded by a bomb blast which earned him the Purple Heart Commendation from the President of the United States. He was a lifelong member of the American Legion and NRA. Jack retired from Steven Hayner Plumbing, Heating and Excavation. He spent many years hauling grain for Provico and Owner/Operator driving across the country.
He was truly a “Jack” of all trades. He never knew a piece of equipment or gadget that he could not tear down and repair. If you needed concrete or construction work done, he could do it. Jack would always drop what he was doing to help a family member or friend in need. He never knew a stranger.
A very heartfelt thank you to Russel and Daniel Hurley, Krystol and John Scott, Jenni and Chuck Hesser, Matt and Billie Hurley, and Rod and Peggy Burnside. You were there when Jack needed you the most.
Lastly, we need to acknowledge some additional special people who helped Jack on this journey. Dr. Gloria Galloway was a blessing to Jack, and he knew she truly cared about him. Dr. Galloway’s staff was so kind to Jack and Kelly. Thank you to the Universal Health and Hospice Care teams, whose time and devotion to Jack was amazing. There are so many who helped, but especially to nurses Herb, Cindy, Liz and Donna go many special thank you hugs for always being just a text or call away. A special thank you from the bottom of Kelly’s heart to home health aid Lisa for always being able to bring out that special smile in Jack.
Jack’s family receives family and friends on Saturday, Dec. 7 from noon to 1 p.m. at Rushsylvania Church of Christ, 170 Mill Street, Rushsylvania, Ohio, 43347 with a memorial service and military rites concluding visitation. There will be a meal immediately afterwards for friends and family at the church.
Memorial contributions in Jack’s name can be made to VFW Post #1080, Bellefontaine, and Universal Home Health Hospice Care, Bellefontaine. Both of these organizations were more than helpful in assisting Jack and Kelly with services, support, guidance and advocacy. Care and arrangements entrusted to Schoedinger Northwest Chapel, Columbus. Please visit their website at schoedinger.com to view a tribute video and to send messages and condolences to Jack’s family.