Donald Jean Hurst, 92, Hays, died Wednesday, October 27, 2021, at his home.
He was born April 9, 1929, in Rural Rawlins County, Kansas the son of Aubra and Hazel (Riblett) Hurst. He was a 1947 graduate of Atwood High School. He graduated from Fort Hays State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in 1957 and a Master’s Degree in Education and Education Administration in 1960. On September 1, 1951, he was united in marriage to Viola R. Heaton and they were married 70 years.
Don served in the U.S. Army for two years during the Korean Conflict. He taught in rural schools in Rawlins and Decatur Counties, and in Atwood and Hays. He was principal of Lincoln Elementary School and was then hired as the first Assistant Superintendent of Schools for USD 489 in 1966 and also served as the Director of K-12 Curriculum Development and Director of Special Education, retiring in June of 1992 after 36 years in the district. He was a member of the Hays First United Methodist Church, a life member of the National Association of Elementary School Principals, and served as president of several organizations including the Kansas Association of Supervision and Curriculum Development, Hays Rotary Club, and the FHSU Chapter of Phi Delta Kappa education fraternity where he was a charter member. Don was a 71-year member of the Masonic Fraternity, Atwood Lodge #164. He enjoyed volunteering at the Hays Good Samaritan Society.
Survivors include his wife Viola, two sons: James Hurst and wife Terri, Douglas Hurst, seven daughters: Margaret “Jodi” Brungardt, Beverly “Jill” Schuckman, Joyce Klaus and husband Al, DJ Hurst, Connie Hurst-Bayless and husband Ben, Ardie Hurst, and Marsha Stremel and husband Cary, two sisters: Betty Beckley and Shirley Most, and many grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his sisters: Nellie Hurst, Euella Erickson, Florine Vernon, Pauline Olsen, and Nora Bearley, his brothers: John Hurst and Francis Hurst, and two grandchildren: Janice Schuckman and Cambry Dinkel.
Funeral services were Wednesday, November 3, 2021, at Hays First United Methodist Church, with Rev. Craig Hauschild and Matt Dumler officiating. Burial with Masonic Funeral Rites by the Atwood Masonic Lodge followed in Fort Hays Memorial Gardens.
Memorials are suggested to the Hays First United Methodist Church Education Department or to the Fort Hays State University Education Department, in care of Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home. Condolences and memories of Don may be shared with the family at www.haysmemorial.com