Vern William Hurst, age 96, passed away on Tuesday, August 18, 2020 at the Ohio Veterans Home in Sandusky Ohio. Born on August 29, 1923 in Willard, Ohio to William Darrell and Hazel Mae (Stotts) Hurst.
He was a graduate of Willard High School. While a Freshman at Ohio Wesleyan University, after the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941, he left college and enlisted in the United States Army Air Corps. He served his country honorably and nobly during World War II, Korea and Vietnam as a pilot for over twenty-seven years flying eighteen different aircraft and surviving ninety-one combat missions. He retired from the United States Air Force as a Major in 1969.
After retiring from the military he graduated from the University of Alberta in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada and the Cleveland State University College of Law, Cleveland, Ohio.
He served as a substitute teacher for Willard City Schools for over ten years. He was an avid reader of books and a history buff. He loved Willard High School basketball and was a season ticket holder for many years. He enjoyed playing golf and riding his bicycle.
Vern was a proud member of the Masonic fraternity. He was a member of Golden Rule Lodge No. 562 and a charter member of Goose and Gridiron Lodge No. 1717. He was also a member of Huron Chapter No. 7 Royal Arch Masons of Ohio, Norwalk Council No. 24 Royal and Select Masons of Ohio, Norwalk Commandery No.18 and a charter member of the Valley of the Firelands Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite
He is survived by his wife Gillian; a son Stephen and his wife Elizabeth; a daughter Annabelle Harrison and her husband Graham; grandson Stephen Hurst, Jr. and granddaughters Alexis and Sydney Harrison. Vern was preceded in death by his parents, brother Kenneth, sisters Eunice Gardner and Alene Baratucci and son Timothy.
The family has entrusted Secor Funeral Home in Willard with arrangements. However, due to the pandemic there will not be a public funeral service.
Final resting place will be in the Ohio Veterans Home Cemetery, 3416 Columbus Avenue, Sandusky, OH 44870.
Condolences
Steve and Ellen Gregory - Aug 29, 2020
We were first introduced by a mutual friend, Caid McKinley, just a few years ago on a visit to the US. It was both a pleasure and an honour to meet a true gentleman hero who served his country well and loved his family dearly. R.I.P.
Sydney Harrison - Aug 26, 2020
Grandpa, you were the best Grandpa a Granddaughter could ever ask for. I knew you were always there, and always loved me. You watched me and my older sister Alexis grow up, whether you were up visiting, saw pictures, or spoke on phone calls or video calls. You saw me play soccer from the age of 5, up to last spring before I turned 16. I loved when you would visit over the years and we would do family things together, there were a lot of smiles and laughter all around. Our last trip to see you at the Home was so memorable, I will never forget. I am so happy and proud you are my Grandpa. You will always be here in our hearts, in my heart. I love you. xx
Alexis Harrison - Aug 26, 2020
Grandpa, you were my loving, strong and very caring Grandpa. Your stories were always fascinating, very knowledgeable, and at times amusing. I enjoyed every second of them. You would read me bed time stories when I was little. You were such a great listener as well. Our mutual love of art I will also hold close to me. I will always remember the times we spent together with great love, admiration and respect. I love you Grandpa, and will miss you always. You are now my Angel. xx
John Woodlock - Aug 26, 2020
Vern, I didn't know you well but on the occasions where our overlapping travels to visit the Harrisons, hearing your stories and simply being awestruck by your experiences. I fondly remember your gentle nature and care for your daughter and her family. Thank you for all that you achieved to make the world a better, safer and enjoyable place.
Stand easy Sir, to your Last Post. RIP
Graham Harrison - Aug 26, 2020
I am honoured to have met and had a wonderful man such as Vern as my father in-law. He will be greatly missed and remembered forever.
Heather and Beth Hicks - Aug 25, 2020
Mr. Hurst, thank you for everything you did for students. I graduated high school in 2005 and my sister graduated in 2009. We both had the honor of knowing Mr. Hurst. He allowed me to interview him for a history project. After I graduated, we stayed in touch with Mr Hurst until he went to the veterans home. We used to take him cookies on Veterans Day and Memorial Day. We often wondered how Mr. Hurst was doing. We thank him for his service, his kind soul, and for making an impression on us as young women. We really loved him and I know he will be missed by so many. We are praying for his family and I know you are all proud to have had such a wonderful man in your Family!
"Our nation owes a debt to its fallen heroes that we can never fully repay, but we can honor their sacrifice.”
Jill Hurst - Aug 25, 2020
I have known and loved you for 55 years, and you will always be in my heart. I shall miss you forever.
Annabelle (Hurst) Harrison - Aug 25, 2020
Dad, you hold an extremely special place in my heart. I have always loved you, and truly admired the man you were. I am so very proud of you, Dad. You were the best Dad ever. You were always there for me, and you will continue to always be with me. I miss you every day. I will love you forever... xxxxoooo
Amanda Branham - Aug 25, 2020
My deepest sympathy goes out to you all. Mr. Hurst was an amazing teacher and wonderful person.
Don Peeler - Aug 25, 2020
An American Hero - Thank you for your many years of distinguished service to our country. RIP
Caid McKinley - Aug 25, 2020
Thank you for your service to our great country. You will be missed my friend! R.I.P.
