Michael Jonathon Hurt

Michael Jonathon Hurt was born March 16, 1955, in Kermit, TX to Donna Rae and John J. Hurt. He died February 26, 2025, at the age of 69 in Norman, OK surrounded by his three kids.
Mike was mostly raised in Texas. As always, he was a rambunctious, active boy who loved sports and dogs and getting into, or narrowly getting out of, trouble. By the time Mike graduated Midland High, he was a celebrated state champion athlete in both baseball and track and enjoyed a little success in boxing. After high school, Mike found a place that became home at East Central University in Ada, Oklahoma. In 1981, Mike obtained a Bachelor of Science in Education, and in 1986, he added a master's in counseling to his professional resume. As a collegiate baseball player, he received numerous honors and awards and even spent some time stealing over 60 bases in semi-pro ball. Mike began his coaching career as an ECU Graduate Assistant and ever since has been known as Coach.
Coach Hurt is and will always be remembered as fiery, ornery, dedicated - not to mention competitive. To list his accolades would be a feat, but his greatest successes were the connections he made with the players, families, and fellow coaches from Carter, Allen, Tupelo, Del City, and East Central who were more like extended family to him. He couldn't go anywhere without someone bringing up a story or two about Coach. Mike also made a career as a history teacher, loved to talk politics and presidents, and was as quick-witted in the classroom as he was on the field. Three of Mike's most proud accomplishments were retiring from Del City High School and being inducted into both the Midland High School and East Central University Hall of Fames.
Mike loved coaching, but his biggest loves arrived March 12, 1986, with "the twins" Jonathon and Adrienne and on December 28, 1990, with "the baby" Noelle. He and Jon bonded over anything with a ball and talked nearly every day, always. More recently, Mike would quiz Jon on his game plans for playoffs and FaceTime with his grandsons Jones and Higgins. One of Mike's greatest joys was following Jon's coaching career. So much so, his son never knew when his dad might just show up at a game halfway across the state. His daughter Adrienne is a daddy's girl, and truth be told, they were inseparable. They always showed up and supported each other for life's big events yet were just as likely to be found sitting at the park or splash pad with at least one of Adrienne's kids - Jameson, Kerrigan, Camden, Ripkyn, or Collins. Wherever they were, the daddy-daughter duo could be found snickering together. Two of PeePaw Mikey's favorite things were watching his grandkids play ball or playing catch with them himself. Mike's youngest could be found sitting right next to her dad at the twins' games, probably eating a candy bar from the concession stand, or singing Eagles songs with her dad in the car. They later shared a love of deep conversations and many episodes of American Pickers. Mike enjoyed one on one time with his Noey and hearing all about her latest trip.
Mike himself loved to travel anywhere with water. St. John was his favorite spot, but he also loved days spent at Lake Texoma and sticking his feet in Blue River. He had a knack for historical facts and baseball stats and cheered on both the Dodgers and the Yankees. He was very pleased with the 2024 World Series and said, "I can't lose." Mike devoured food like he devoured life. Whether it was several Big Macs in one sitting or a four-course meal, whatever the biggest meal on the menu was, Mike would order it, eat it, and relish it. Lately, his kids knew not to visit him without a large Dr. Pepper freeze in their hands. Dogs also certainly held a special place in Mike's heart. Most people have heard stories about the infamous Champ, and he still made frequent calls to visit with his Mistletoe.
Mike Hurt will continue to be loved as a teacher, coach, dad, PeePaw, grandpa, and friend. Take it easy, Dad.
Preceded by his mother Donna Rae Prollock, his father John J. Hurt, his brother Mark Hurt, and his son-in-law Blake Bryan.
Survived by his son Jonathon Hurt, his wife Heather, and his grandsons - Jones and Higgins; his daughter Adrienne Wootten, her husband Spud, and his grandchildren - Jameson, Kerrigan, Camden, Ripkyn, and Collins; his daughter Noelle Bryan; and his brother Ron Hurt.
A memorial to honor Mike is scheduled for Thursday, March 6th 11am at the Ken Turner Baseball Field - East Central University Ada, OK.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you share a favorite memory, toss a ball with a grandkid, or sip an ice cold can of Dr. Pepper in memory of Mike "Coach" Hurt.
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