John E. Hurt

John Edward Hurt Age 93, passed away Thursday, July 6, 2006 in Martinsville. He was born November 3, 1912, near Hall, IN the first son of Sarah Langie Bange Hurt and William Verl "Tom" Hurt. One brother, Jewell Denzil Hurt, Hall, survives. Preceding him in death were brothers, Thomas Marshall and William Leo Hurt, and his sister, Esther Iota Blackburn. He married Mary Anna Doswell Hurt, February 14, 1937 and she died Monday, February 26, 1996, just 12 days after their 59th wedding anniversary. He is survived by his three children: Marcia Anne Gieseke, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Nancy Ewing, Leesburg, Florida, and John E. Hurt Jr., Martinsville; seven grandchildren: Marianne Elizabeth Gieseke, Gregory William Gieseke, Veronica Riddle, Valerie Ranallo, Janel Dent, Jolene Hurt, and Jarren Edward Hurt; and five great- grandchildren. An Indiana University Law School graduate, Mr. Hurt was a partner in McNutt, Hurt and Blue, with offices for many years in both Martinsville and Indianapolis. Hurt also served as a judge in the Morgan County Circuit Court. He also was involved with the Eminence Bank, later the Morgan County Bank and Trust. He served on the Boards of many organizations including Kendrick Memorial Hospital and the Kennedy Home. In addition, he was active in the Democrat party for many years, starting as a member of the Jackson Club at Indiana University as a student. His work included serving in the successful political campaign of Governor Paul V. McNutt and managing the successful campaigns of Governors Henry F. Schricker and Matthew E. Welsh. He also served as a secretary to the Indiana Democratic State Central Committee and was a delegate many years to the Democratic National Convention, including serving as the delegation's secretary. He was president of Nebo Properties, developing the Lakes of the Painted Hills and Nebo Memorial Park. He also served as a corporal in the United States Army in World War II. He was a member of the First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Martinsville, and served nine years as a Trustee of the Christian Theological Seminary, in Indianapolis, and 27 years as a trustee of the Disciples of Christ Historical Society, Nashville, Tennessee. Mr. Hurt was life member of the Lions Club, serving as District Governor of Lions International, 1942-43. He was also a member of several professional societies including the Morgan County Bar Association, Indianapolis Bar Association, Indiana State Bar Association, American Bar Association, Bar Association of the Seventh Federal Circuit and the American Judicature Society. Mr. Hurt was a life member of the Delta Chi College Fraternity and served in many capacities for the Indiana University Delta Chi chapter, serving on the alumni board of trustees and the Delta Chi Building Corporation. The I.U. chapter house was named the John E. Hurt Lodge in his honor. He was also a life member of the Elks, the Woodburn Guild at I.U., the Hoosier Heritage Museum Society and the I.U. Alumni Association. He was a member of the Indianapolis Athletic Club, the Skyline Club, Indiana University Loyalty Group, American Legion, Indiana Historical Society, Indiana Museum Society, Indianapolis Museum of Art, James Whitcomb Riley Memorial Association, American Forestry Association and the Nature Conservancy. His Masonic Orders include York and Scottish Rite degrees. He has been honored as a Kentucky Colonel, an Honorary Fellow of the Harry S. Truman Library and has been named a Sagamore of the Wabash by five Indiana Governors: Governors Schricker, Welsh, Bowen, Bayh and O'Bannon. Funeral services will be held 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, July 12, 2006 at First Christian Church, with calling there 1:00 p.m. until time of service. Dr. Larry Kuntz and Dr. Mark Poindexter will officiate services. Arrangements are entrusted to Costin Funeral Chapel, Martinsville. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.