Walter L. Hurd, 91 years old, left his earthly home on February 19, 2021. He was born in Columbus, Ohio May 23, 1929 to Lewis F. and Mercile B. Laughbaum Hurd.
On Oct. 25, 1953 he married Betty Lou Johnson and they celebrated 67 years! He was preceded in death by brothers Wilbur L. Hurd (his identical twin) and Lewis F. Hurd, Jr. (MIA/KIA WWII) and their parents.
Mr. Hurd graduated from Linden McKinley High School, Columbus, Ohio in 1947 and Ohio State University with B.S. in Music Education in 1951 and an M.A. from Ohio State in 1954.
He taught instrumental and vocal music in Jeffersonville, Ohio. Was the First Band Director at Miami Trace, Washington C.H., Ohio and then became the first Assistant Principal at Delaware Hayes High School, Delaware, Ohio and retired there after 24 years.
During his life he played trombone and other instruments for Jerry Lewis and Dean Martin and other big band names of that era, along with the Delaware Community Band.
He proudly served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War on the USS Eldorado (AGC-11), the USS LSMR 525 and the LST 516 remaining in the Naval Reserve for 40 years as Commanding Officer of Naval Reserve Surface Division 4-97; Commanding Officer of Naval Reserve Officers School; Naval Reserve Public Affairs Co. 4-3 and Chief of Staff for Naval Reserve Group Command 4-32. He retired in 1989 as a Commander with 42 years active and inactive service. He received the following commendations: Enlisted Good Conduct medal; Naval Reserve medal; Armed Forces Reserve medal; Korean Combat medal (3 Stars); United Nations medal; National defense medal; Korean War Service medal; Croix du Bombattant Voluntaire; Medaille Desoperations De L'Organization, and Des nations Unies EnCoree.
After retirement he was a member of Gideon's International, had a Bible Study at Delaware County Jail, attended Delaware Bible Church and then High Street Baptist Church. He led Choir and band ensemble and sang in Quartets. He was the Chairman of EPU-God and Country Class. Member of TBDBITL Alumni Club, Ohio LST/AMPHIBS Assn., McHale's Navy Breakfast Club, Reserve Officer's Assn., Naval League of the United States, Delaware Amateur Radio Assn., Delaware Amateur Radio Emergency Service, Delaware County Retired Teacher's Assn. and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia (Music Honorary).
He loved to spend time with family and to golf and fish. His love of the water remained all of his life whether on the boat or at the beach with all his extended family. He and Betty travelled around the world via Military Space A and visited many of the European locations that his Father had been to during WW1. Trier, Germany was a favorite destination.
Survivors include Jana (Mark) Jones, Lisa (George) Harmon, Susan (Bill) Barr, Chris Hurd and Amy; grand kids, Jeremy (Tish) Jones, Jasmine (Robbie) Simpson, Kristin (Jeremiah) Morgan, Hunter Lover, Garrett Lover, Jared Barr, Arianne Barr. Great Grandkids: Haven, Gage, Mason, JJ and Jenna.
The family will receive friends today, February 23, 2021 from 11 a.m.–1 p.m. at the Snyder-Rodman Funeral Center, 101 Valley Side Dr. at W. William Street, Delaware, where services celebrating Walter's life will follow at 1 p.m. The services will be livestreamed and can be viewed by visiting the Snyder-Rodman Funeral Center Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/DelawareSFH/ . Burial will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery with full military Honors.
Due to the Covid19 pandemic, face masks and social distancing will be required.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to the Gideons International, P.O. Box 832, Delaware, Ohio 43015.
The Snyder-Rodman Funeral Center is honored to serve this veteran and his family.
To share a fond memory of Walter or to offer a condolence to his family, please visit www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
6 Entries
Julie Kay Smithson
December 7, 2023
I was honored to meet both Walter and his dear wife Betty in the late 1990s. They were a charming couple with grace and clear faith. About ten years later, I met one of their daughters and learned that they passed on their qualities to their children. I thank God for the blessings! I was remiss in posting a condolence here but am making that right now. For everyone who knew them, has been blessed!
March 7, 2021
Chris & family- your dad was such a wonderful, kind, honorable man who always had a smile to share. I have many wonderful memories of him at the christian school. Hayes HS as well as seeing him at the county fair handing out bibles. We are so very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with your entire family. Rita (Edmonds) Seese & family
Gretchen(Tillman) Rannebarger
February 24, 2021
In high school I was terrified of him. I wasn’t the greatest student. Then years later I met him again. He was so nice and had a great sense of humor. I knew then what a great person he was. Sorry for your loss Jana and family.
Babs Flahive Farkasovsky
February 23, 2021
Mr. Hurd was such a kind man during my high school years at Hayes. He truly was loved by all and cared about so many. It was a pleasure to have known him
Kent Cox
February 23, 2021
What a wonderful role model he was to me and my family for all those years growing up. Thank you Mr. Hurd !
Fr. Bryan Timby
February 22, 2021
Mr. Hurd was a true gentleman. He helped me manage my anger toward my parents when they insisted that I move with them to Pennsylvania during Christmas vacation of my senior year at Hayes. He reminded me of things I knew about docility, obedience, and honoring my father and mother. I have never forgotten that 45 minutes spent with him in his office. Rest in peace, Mr. Hurd, rest in peace.
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Feb
23
11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Snyder-Rodman Funeral Center101 Valleyside Dr West William St., Delaware, OH 43015
Feb
23
1:00 p.m.
Snyder-Rodman Funeral Center101 Valleyside Dr West William St., Delaware, OH 43015
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Snyder-Rodman Funeral Center101 Valleyside Dr West William St., Delaware, OH 43015
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