Robert Eugene Hurst, 84 of Belleville IL born June 19, 1938 in E. St. Louis, IL passed rather suddenly on Sunday, January 29, 2023 at Memorial Hospital in Belleville, IL.
Bob “Bo” was an awesome husband, father, papa, brother, uncle and friend. He was born to Forrest and Virginia (Davis) Hurst on June 19, 1938. In junior high school he met the love of his life Marie who eventually became his wife. Together they had two daughters Laura and Linda. Bob was fair, loyal, kind and would do anything for anyone. His daughters are forever grateful for the help and guidance he showed to them and their families.
After working at Reeb’s Dairy, on the Railroad, owning his own gas station, he decided to become a patrolman on the Belleville Police Department then eventually became Chief of Police. After many years of service, he retired to work part time as a bailiff for St. Clair County and help with his two precious granddaughters. He was a member of East Lodge #504 AF & AM, Ainad Shrine and Damascus Road Fellowship. He enjoyed playing cards, slot machines, playing the guitar and piano, flying his airplane, excavating, plowing snow, working on vehicles, fixing anything he could, and cutting grass. He would help people out anytime whenever needed. If he ever helped you with your vehicle or plowing snow….then know you were loved. His favorite saying was “I guarantee it”.
He was preceded in death by his:
- Wife of 63 years: Imal Marie (Taylor) Hurst
- Parents: Forrest and Virginia (Davis) Hurst
- Sister: Connie (Jerry) Phelps
- Brother: Richard Hurst
- Father and Mother-law: Howard and Audrey (Carter) Taylor
- Brother-in-law: Virgil (Judy) Taylor
- Son-in-law: Kevin Frederick
Surviving are his:
- Daughters
- Laura Frederick (fiancé Dan Walker) of Smithton IL
- Linda (Mark) Sauerwein of Belleville IL
- Granddaughters
- Lexi (Alex) Hughes
- Ana Sauerwein (fiancé Dane Haugen)
- Sister-in-law: Rita Hurst
- Brothers
- Durwood (Carolyn ) Hurst
- Lew (Betty) Hurst
- Many relatives and friends.
Memorials: Memorials may be made to Damascus Road Fellowship, Belleville IL
Visitation: Visitation from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm, Wednesday, February 1st, 2023 at Kurrus Funeral Home in Belleville, IL with a Masonic Service at 10:00 am.
Funeral: Funeral services will be held at 12:00 pm, Wednesday, February 1st, at Kurrus Funeral Home with Pastor Vance Vyers officiating. Interment will follow at Lakeview Memorial Gardens, Fairview Heights, IL
Live Stream: His service may be viewed starting at 11:50 am through the Kurrus website live stream link.
15 Comments To "Robert Eugene Hurst"
#1 Comment By Irwin P. Reeb On January 30, 2023 @ 4:56 pm
A loyal friend of mine that you could count on anytime for anything ! But while flying just do not fly above the clouds he would get very excited if he could not see the ground !! He will be sorely missed !!
#2 Comment By Anita Doermann On January 30, 2023 @ 6:01 pm
I loved Bob so much. I love how he loved our family, especially my dad. He will be missed but his legacy will live eternity
Love you Laura and Linda
#3 Comment By Bill and Janet Harter On January 30, 2023 @ 8:42 pm
Bob was a true friend and great neighbor. Always ready to help. Anything we needed help with or just spending time discussing the worlds problems etc! I still look out our kitchen window every morning at 5am and expect to see him back out of his garage and flash his lights on his way to get the paper. Will miss you greatly. ❤️ Bill and Janet Harter and family (especially Molly)
#4 Comment By Brian Sumner On January 30, 2023 @ 8:52 pm
I am so sorry for your loss and I know he is looking down upon Laura and Linda as they move forward and that they are forever grateful for thief Father and may he RIP.
#5 Comment By Sue Ellen Sweet-Carpenter On January 31, 2023 @ 12:03 am
Laura and Linda,
I am so sorry for the passing of your dad. I loved your dad, he was a good friend. We all had a wonderful vacation in NC, a long time ago. He had a great life of giving.
#6 Comment By Adrienne Evans On January 31, 2023 @ 3:10 am
So very sorry for your loss. Prayers for your family🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
#7 Comment By Mark and Elaine Harter On January 31, 2023 @ 10:21 am
When I was 20 I met my future father-in-law and thought he had to be the most colorful character I would ever know. I was wrong. When I met my new Aero Estates neighbor Bob he would by far be the most dynamic person I would ever know. He was an almost daily presence in our lives. From excavation work to policing our sons Bob was there. He could even keep my father-in-law in line. Bob could and did do anything at any time for us even when we didn’t know we needed something done! Our world has suffered a huge loss. Bob will be truly missed.
#8 Comment By Aaron & Sondra Phillips On January 31, 2023 @ 11:35 am
It has been our privilege to call Bob and Marie great family friends for many years! Always enjoyed those times together – usually centered around a work project or meal. We would always laugh and sayA “everybody needs a Bob” because of his expertise at fixing “anything” and his willingness to help. A tremendous loss for family and friends. Our thoughts and prayers are with Laura and Linda and family.
#9 Comment By Vicki Kirtlink On January 31, 2023 @ 12:16 pm
Bob was a long time family friend! RIP Bob! Fly high with the angels!
#10 Comment By Karen Ackerman Hardesty On February 1, 2023 @ 5:09 am
My dad was a policeman and worked with Bob. When he passed away, Bob was there bringing food, offering any help he could. He was a wonderful man. Laura and Linda, Our condolences on the loss of your Dad.
#11 Comment By Sylvia A Ninnis On February 1, 2023 @ 11:52 am
From the time I met Marie at Weldon’s Pharmacy, your Mom and Dad were my friends. From Westview Baptist Church when it was across the street from the old BTHS West to our meals for fish at the Masonic Temple on 57th street. Bob was always a jokester, but he was truly a friend. You two girls were his pride and joy. His absence from your lives will be a tremendous void, but how blessed you were to have him for your father.
,
#12 Comment By Linda Peters On February 1, 2023 @ 1:34 pm
My condolences to Bob’s family. I got to be friends with him when I worked the courtroom in St. Clair County. We would have coffee before court started. He was a great man and friend.
#13 Comment By john r. kniepmann On February 1, 2023 @ 6:43 pm
Dear Robert E. Hurst family,
Please accept my sympathy.
He was a good friendly neighbor, easy to talk to, and knew how to make someone laugh.
#14 Comment By James Willis On February 4, 2023 @ 2:11 pm
Bob and Imal were long time friends. Bob was in our wedding 64 years ago. He never changed in all those years. Dedicated, loyal and faithful. And, yes, he could make you laugh. Always a good time when together. We are so proud that Bob and Imal were part of our journey. God Bless, dear friend.
#15 Comment By Claudette Irving On February 14, 2023 @ 12:02 am
You will truly be missed Mr Robert ❤️😪