Joseph "Joe" Carl Hurst passed away August 16, 2019.  He was born February 23, 1941 in Cotter, Arkansas, the son of Joseph and Evelyn Hurst, who preceded him in death.

Joe graduated from Yellville HS in 1959.  He served in the United States Army from 1960-1963, reaching the rank of Sergeant.  He was decorated as a sharpshooter. He had a long career in sales with Champion an Anco auto parts where he was the National Sales Manager.  Joe resided in the Springfield area for the majority of his life.

Joe was an avid sports enthusiast playing basketball and baseball in High School.  He spent a lot of time on the tennis court in the 1970s and 80s and was the owner of a Tennis Pro Shop in Springfield.   If he wasn't playing tennis, he was bass fishing, going to stock car races, or watching sports on television.  Most recently, he was a fan of whatever sport his grandkids were playing.  As far as the grandkids, Joe couldn't have been a prouder grandpa.

Often by his side was his dog Bailey, a yellow lab that was adopted from the Springfield Humane Society about twelve years ago.

Joe leaves behind a family that loves him dearly including his wife Sue, his sister Kay Nanney and her husband Kenny, a daughter Kelly Mills and her husband Jeff and four grandkids, and a brother-in-law Robert Benefield and his wife Myra.

A celebration of life will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. on Friday, August 23 at the Lake Springfield Boathouse (5324 S Kissick Ave, Springfield, MO 65804).  A small remembrance service will be held shortly after 3, until about 3:30 and will be followed by fellowship among friends with some light snacks.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Southwest Missouri Humane Society, 3161 W. Norton Rd, Springfield, MO 65803, https://www.swh.org/giving.html .