Walter R. Hurd

1924 - 2021

Walter R. Hurd, 96, of Punxsutawney, passed away on Friday, September 17, 2021 at the home of his daughter Wendy Depp and husband Doug Depp.

He was born on October 15, 1924, in LaJose, a son of the late Herbert H and Dove L. (Barrett) Hurd.

Walter was a member of the 82nd Airborne Division of the United States Army. He para-trooped into Normandy, France on June 6, 1944 (D-Day). He later paraglided into Belgium on December 17, 1944, and entered the Battle of the Bulge. He received the French Medal of Freedom for acts of heroism in France during World War II. He returned to Normandy several times for the D-Day Anniversary celebrations.

Mr. Hurd worked as a Prudential Insurance agent for many years, particularly in the Sykesville area.

Walter was an avid outdoorsman. He enjoyed hunting and fishing as well as baseball and golf.

He was the last surviving Charter Member of the Clover Ridge Lodge. He was also a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #2076, the Punxsutawney Lions Club and John W. Jenks Masonic Lodge #534.

He is survived by two sons, Randy Hurd and Wendy Deemer of Marion Center, Rick Hurd and wife Jill of Jefferson, Maryland; one daughter, Wendy Depp and husband Douglas; one stepson, John Rieg and wife Cora of Sykesville; two daughter in-laws, Patricia Hurd of Emerickville and Dr. Lisa Witherite Rieg of Corsica; one son-in-law, Mark Georgek; 12 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; one brother, Glenn Hurd and wife Jennette of Milesburg; many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two wives, Ruth A. Johnston and Cloyann (Freas/Rieg); two sons, Richy A. Hurd and Wally L. Hurd; one grandson, Brady Hurd; one stepson, David Rieg; one stepdaughter, Stephanie Rieg; three brothers, Robert, Hughie and Herbert Hurd; three sisters, Eleanor Miller, Sarah Scarano and Joan Rodomsky.

Friends will be received from noon until 4 p.m. Wednesday, September 22, 2021, at Shumaker Funeral Home, Punxsutawney.

A funeral service will be held at 4 p.m. at the funeral home, officiated by Pastor Tharren Thompson. Military honors will be accorded.

Interment will be at McClure Cemetery, Big Run.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Walter's memory to the VFW Post #2076, Maple Ave., Punxsutawney, PA 15767

Online condolences may be made at www.shumakerfh.com.