Lesile James Hurst, 1947–2020
Leslie James Hurst went home to Jesus on December 22, 2020, after first overcoming numerous challenges such as heart and lung problems, kidney disease, aneurysms, COVID, and other conditions which would have defeated younger, strong men years ago. Even now, Leslie’s passing was not a violent defeat of his life, but a completion of his life here and a return to his real home.
Leslie was born to M.C. “Red” Hurst and Bernice Justice Hurst on January 29, 1947, in Spur, Texas. He exhibited his sweet and generous nature even as a young child, making friends with all he met and passing out gifts of oranges, candy, or whatever was available.
He went to Spur schools, starting first grade in Mrs. Marcy’s class, with the same teacher who had taught his mother, brother and sister. He loved playing football as a Spur Bulldog. He graduated from Spur High School in 1965. Leslie was saved in the First Methodist Church in Spur, where he sang in the church choir for years.
Leslie graduated from North Texas State University in Denton in 1969, with a degree in marketing. Shortly, he married Susan Englert of Richardson, Texas, and they built a family with two wonderful children, Blake and Wendy. He became co-owner of Hurst Department Store in Spur, and both Leslie and Susie worked there as part of the Hurst team of Red, Bernice, Leslie, and Susie for a number of years.
Leslie always loved Spur, and worked to support the Ex-Students Association and the town’s efforts to attract new small businesses to Spur.
Leslie joins his parents, grandparents and many relatives in heaven. He is survived by his son, Christopher Blake Hurst of Austin, and his daughter, Wendy Nicole Hurst Martin, as well as his grandchildren Nathan Hurst and Rebekah Hurst, Scarlet Martin, Keagan Martin and Rose Martin; his brother, Tim Hurst (Ginger) of Austin; and his sister, Kathy Hurst White of Lubbock.
Leslie’s family specifically wants to thank the people of Spur and surrounding areas for their kindness, love and support they provided while Leslie was in Spur. Services for Leslie were held on Monday, December 28, 2020, with a celebration of life in the Zapata Funeral Home chapel at 2:00 p.m., followed by a brief graveside service at the Spur Memorial Cemetery.
For anyone considering a tangible expression of sympathy, the family suggests a contribution to Spur Senior Citizens Center or to Spur Meals on Wheels.
