Gary Duane Hurst, 69, of Springfield, Missouri, passed away Wednesday, July 8, 2026, in Springfield.

He was born in Mammoth Spring, Arkansas on May 20, 1957, son of the late Gola Marie (Kester) and John Harrison Hurst. Gary had a deep love for his family and friends. He thought the world of his parents and was always very grateful for the life they gave him and his wonderful brothers and sisters. Gary had five children who he always tried to teach right from wrong and to trust and believe in God. He could not have done that without the help of their mothers, Khris Hurst and Colleen Gourley; they were great wives to him. During his working years, Gary had many successful jobs with Phillips 66 in Pontiac, Illinois, Serve-Pro in St. Joseph, Missouri, Hurst Construction and the partnership he had with Al Fireworks. Gary was a jack of all trades who enjoyed working with his hands and always had a project. He enjoyed fishing, watching basketball, especially Caitlin Clark and Indiana Fever and playing spades with his family on the phone. Gary was a professional at being ornery. He loved his family, his dog and his cat. Gary was a deacon at Church of Christ in St. Joseph, Missouri. He was a very courageous and strong man especially in his 21-year battle with cancer. Gary had a good life though he made mistakes, but his legacy will live on through his children, brother, sisters, nieces, nephews and friends.

Gary is survived by his son, Brett Hurst of Springfield, Missouri; daughters, Lacey Hurst of Springfield, Missouri, Kimberly Hurst of Colorado and Haley Hurst of Illinois; three sisters, Kathryn Zehr (Junior), JoAnn Hurst, and Janice Deal and husband Robert all of Pontiac, Illinois, one brother, Billy Don Hurst of Mammoth Spring, Arkansas; his dog, Bugs and his cat, Nyxi.

He was preceded in death by his son, Jared Hurst; parents, John and Gola Hurst; brothers, Harold Hurst and Lloyd Hurst and sister, Johnie Lou Pence.

Funeral services will be Wednesday, July 15, 2026, beginning at 2:00 PM with Wayne Hurst officiating at Doty Family Funeral Service Chapel in Salem, Arkansas. Visitation will be prior to the service beginning at 1:00 PM. Interment will follow at Thayer Cemetery in Thayer, Missouri.

Pallbearers include: Robert Deal, Jonathan Fosen, Bill Hurst, Tom Battice, Jon Deal and Adam Deal