Louis N. Hurst

Lou was born on June 28, 1934 in Mule Shoe Texas, and in his earlier years made his move to Yakima, and attended Franklin Middle School, and Yakima High.

Lou had a long extensive background. He spent time in the Navy during the Korean War, and for over 50 years he worked for Local 302 of Operating Engineers union. He worked on the oil pipe lines in Alaska, along with paving many of the roads we use here in Yakima. At one point he became the training instructor/administrator for heavy equipment at Waconi, (White Swan). He later became the business agent of Local 302, and retired from there.

Lou married Barbara, May 6, 1957 in Pasco, WA, but made their home in Yakima, where they raised their two children, Lew and Vickie. They both had happy memories of going out dancing in years past. He also managed two local bands called The Flames, and The Intruders many years ago, and had great stories to tell of those days.

His life was full of joy. He enjoyed the outdoors. Years back spent time fishing & boating during camping trips with the family up to Mardon Resort, and past trips to McDaniel Lake. Lou was passionate about gardening, and always made sure to take some vegetables down to the Salvation Army every summer. He kept his yard full with an arrangement of flowers everywhere. Lou enjoyed watching the Mariners, and you could find him at all his grandchildren's sporting events. He was a strong hard working, kind-hearted man and one of the biggest givers we all knew and loved. In past years, anyone of the Yakima Valley who enjoyed viewing Christmas lights knew his house was the place to be, the creativity and hours that were put in left many amazed and most speechless. Also greeted people as Santa. He will also be remembered by taking part in many Halloween nights, scaring many trick-or-treaters by dressing up as a witch. In recent years on most Sundays he met up with a few good friends for coffee, to try and solve the world’s problems. Last year he really enjoyed relaxing on his new remodeled deck, and back yard, and having barbeques. Some of his final advice to us all, was to keep doing that.

Lou is survived by Barbara Hurst (wife of 57 years), son Lew (Starr) Hurst and daughter Vickie (Tim) Reed. Sisters, Lavelle Wallbaum, Dorothy (Dick) Summers, Verna Lee Danielson, Nancy Johnson and sister in law Petty Hurst . Grandchildren, Natacia (Arthur) Sabala, Amanda, Cody Reed, and step granddaughter Aimee Turner. Great grandchildren, Nyssa, Angelica, Amerika Sabala, and step great granddaughter Shelbee Turner.

Lou is preceded in death by his father Lee Hurst, and mother Verna Hurst, brother Sam, and half sister Ethel Stevens.

His whole family loved, and adored him very much. We're all saddened by the passing of such a great man, but rejoice in the wonderful life he lived. The family jokester which he was known for, always trying to cheer others up despite his health. "Though your passing was too soon, we will all keep you in our thoughts, and hearts. You have touched the lives of everyone around you and have forever changed the path we walk today."

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Lou's name to Izzy's Adult Family Home 600 83rd Ave Yakima, WA 98908, (for a small project there, that would make my dad very happy).

Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Friday, June 20, 2014 at Langevin-Mussetter Funeral Home. Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 a.m., June 21, 2014 at Langevin-Mussetter Funeral Home with concluding services at West Hills Memorial Park. To share a memory of Louis visit, www.lmfuneralhome.com.