Johnny Hurst

Johnny Lamarr Hurst, cherished husband, father, grandad and friend, passed from this life to enter his heavenly home on Thursday, July 4, 2024. He was the only son born to Merl and Merlyn Hester Hurst in Hobart, Oklahoma, on November 2, 1938. He spent his early formative years in his beloved Gotebo, Oklahoma. After moving to OKC in 1950, he attended Jackson Jr. High and graduated from Capitol Hill Senior High school in 1956. He was an outstanding athlete and lettered in track, winning countless state championships. He also excelled in both softball and basketball. In his retirement years he spent time golfing with his friends. He was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting and fishing with his sons and grandsons. His love for sports included all things OU and the Oklahoma City Thunder. He married his teenage sweetheart, Joyce Funk, and together they raised their young family, first in OKC and then moved to their acreage in Mustang. After his retirement they established their home in Yukon. Johnny retired in 1992 from the Oklahoma State Tax Commission after 31 years of dedicated service as the Director of Printing and Reproduction. He was predeceased by his parents and sisters, Cleta San Antonio and Melba Friedenberger Hogue. He is survived by his devoted wife of 64 years, Joyce Ann, and his sister, Sandra Funk.

Other survivors include his beloved and adored children Joni and husband Mike Dillard, Trenton Hurst and wife Rhonda and Bryan Hurst. He delighted in his six grandchildren: Garrett, Taylor, Tara, Tony, Rylen and Kailee. The light of his life was made complete in his nine great grandchildren: Quinn, Hayden, Nash, Norah, Noah, Olivia, Eden, Nova and Brynlee. In his last days he lovingly expressed, “My family brings joy to my soul. I am so blessed.” He leaves behind precious memories of special times vacationing with his sister in law Linda and her husband Wayne Cotton, and also with the “California Hursts.” He treasured his relationships with the “Frank Cousins” and his bonus son, David Maddox, and so many other relatives and friends. He was a strong, proud man who loved unconditionally. We were so blessed to have had him in our lives.

A graveside service will be held at Resthaven Funeral Home in Oklahoma City on Friday, July 12, at 10:30 a.m. in the Serenity Garden section. Following the service there will be a fellowship gathering with a meal provided for all family and friends in the Family Life Center at Resthaven.