Robert E. Hurst

Hurst, Robert E. Formerly from Aurora IL and Yorkville IL. 67 years young! Passed away at Plumley Rehabilitation center in Paris, Tennessee on March 7, 2013 surrounded by his loving family. The body was cremated. Born December 10, 1945 in Aurora, IL to Carl F. and Helen M. (Nichols) Hurst. Robert joined the United States Navy at the age of 17, and served on the U.S. Independence (CV-2) during the Vietnam war. Robert was honorably discharged. Robert and his wife JoAnne M. (VanCleve) were united in marriage in Aurora IL on July 1, 1967. Bobby played on alot of baseball teams over the years. In his spare time he umpired men's and women's baseball. He belonged to the following clubs: American Legion, Amvets, Tigers Club, Turner Club, and V.F.W., all in the surrounding area of Aurora, IL. Robert was a proud iron worker for Local 393 in Aurora, IL for 35 years from where he retired. He retired to Cottage Grove Tennessee in 1994. There he enjoyed his passion in life, deer hunting and fishing on his boat on the Kentucky Lake. Bobby was a member of the civic center in Paris, TN. Bob had a large fascination with the civil war and enjoyed visiting the many battlefields. His greatest love was spending time with his family, and rooting for his grandchildren and great grandchildren while they played in there team sports. He leaves behind his wife and best friend of 45 years, JoAnne M. (VanCleve); two daughters, Kimberly (Matt) Bowne and Kerrie (Brian) Houck, all of Cottage Grove, TN; four grandchildren, Brandi Bowne of Paris TN, Derick Bowne and Donjoel Houck, both of Cottage Grove, TN and Koki Williams of St. Paul Minnesota; one great-grandchild, Chasdon Hummell of Paris, TN; a special nephew (son), Rick (Linda) Hurst of Aurora, IL; one great-niece, Jamie Hurst of Paris, TN; two special sisters-in-law, Joy (Ray) Hanks of Cottage Grove, TN and Caren Hurst of Sugar Grove, IL; Jennifer Diederich of McKenzie TN, who is described as being like a daughter. He also leaves behind several nephews and nieces and a lot of lifetime friends. Robert was preceded in death by both his parents, Carl F. and Helen M. (Nichols) Hurst; a sister, Carol A. Turner; a brother, Donald L. Hurst; and a very special nephew (son), Rob M. Hurst. If you would like to pay your respects to Bob and his family, a Memorial Service is scheduled for Saturday, April 20, 2013 at the Amvets Post 103 in the banquet room, 1194 Jericho Rd., Aurora, IL. Robert's Visitation will be from 11:00 A.M. until 1:00 P.M. with services to follow. The family will be hosting a luncheon to follow his services. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the family or a charity of your choice in Bobby's name.