Darryl Havard Hurt

Darryl Havard Hurt was born June 20, 1944 in Brenham, Texas to Ruby Mabel and Robert Mathis Hurt, Sr. Daddy was the third of six children born to the marriage. He passed away at the age of 73 on September 25, 2017. He was the fortunate recipient of two lungs in August 2011, affording his family and friends with six more years of his wit, irascibility, care, and thoughts on life and politics.

To say that our dad was a political animal would be an understatement. He paid a poll tax in order to vote in 1967, paying what amounted to 2 hours of wages in order to do so. He never missed an election since. Darryl championed the rights of the poor and forgotten and was always ready for a fight. Dad proudly represented his Deer Park community and fellow Democrats by serving as President of Area 5 Democrats for 14 years, a Shell union steward for 42 years, Chairman of Senate District 11 for 30 years, and Precinct Chair of 420 for 34 years and Alternate Chair for precinct 704 for an additional 10 years. Dad was a committed Shell Chemical employee for 42 years; and grateful for the health insurance they provided him before and after his transplant.

In a proclamation upon his retirement from Chair of Senate District 11, colleagues wrote: "Texans are people just like Darryl. He's good and kind and honest and true, and damn it to hell, he's a Democrat, too."

Daddy loved Sherry, Santa Fe, New Mexico, the Parrot Head club, Willie Nelson, Sen. Elizabeth Warren, Gov. Ann Richards, State Rep. Ed "Papa" Watson, Frank Howell and Indian art, the Corral Club, dancing, the Gulf, his sissies, brother and cousins, his girls, his sons-in-law, and his grandkids.

Our dad leaves a virtual bevy of friends and family to treasure memories and stories of him. He was preceded in death by his beautiful sister Claudia, his fun-loving brother Norman, and his momma, Grandma Froggie, and his many aunts and uncles who loved him. He will be remembered by his wife Sherry, his daughters Darlene (David) Henson, Charyl (Andy) Lyons, Angie Rodriguez, and Rachel Langnau. He was Papa Longhair to his grandchildren Drew, Sarah, Ashley, John David, and Elise. Daddy is also survived by Darlene and Charyl's mom, Charlene.

The family is grateful for the exemplary care he received at Methodist Hospital. His physicians, Drs. Seethamraju and Kaleekal, gave him new life. The nurses on Dunn 4 and 10 honored his many requests, including one for jamoca almond fudge ice cream, and happily accepted his gifts of Hershey chocolate with almonds in gratitude.

The memorial service will be Saturday, October 7, 2017 at 3:00 p.m. at Deer Park United Methodist Church, 1300 E. 13th Street, Deer Park. In lieu of flowers, please donate to your favorite charity.

Honor our dad by voting every chance you can, fighting for the rights of those without power, sharing good music and a glass of Italian red wine with friends and family, and donating your organs so others can have six or even more years!