William Dale 'Bill' Hurst

William Dale “Bill” Hurst, 82, of Fort Scott, KS, passed away late Sunday, May 23, 2010, at Mercy Hospital. He was born March 15, 1928, in Fort Scott, KS, the son of Earl D. Hurst and Iris Ellen Ragin Hurst.

Bill graduated from the Fort Scott High School and later enlisted with the United States Air Force.

He married Donna M. McBride on March 9, 1953, at Fort Scott, KS. She preceded him in death on June 1, 1983.

Bill was formerly associated with KESM radio in El Dorado Springs. Bill worked as the News Director for Fort Scott Broadcasting, KOMB/KMDO radio, for 35 years. He served on the Fort Scott Recreation Commission and the Fort Scott Planning Commission. Bill also served on the Mercy Hospital Advisory Board from 1977 – 1981. He was known as the “Voice of Fort Scott” for his many years in broadcasting;

In addition to his wife, Donna, Bill was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers and two sisters.
Bill also had a speaking role in the 1968 Gordon Parks film, The Learning Tree.

Survivors include his special friend, Chlorine Briggs - Fort Scott, KS; a brother, James Hurst - Greenwood, SC; two nephews whom he helped raise, John Michael Stockwell - Plattsmouth, NE, and James Patrick Stockwell - Oriental, NC; several other nieces and nephews including, David Cullop - Waller, TX, and Phyllis Rice - Grove, OK; several great-nieces and great-nephews and many, many friends.

Services were held Friday, May 28, in the Cheney Witt Memorial Chapel, Fort Scott, KS, with Rev. Chuck Russell officiating. Music was provided by Karen Billiard, organist and Gerald Hart, vocalist. Burial followed in the U. S. National Cemetery, Fort Scott, KS, where military honors were provided by the Olson Frary Burkhart Post #1165 Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Casketbearers were Barry Rice, Tom Nighswonger, Eric Stockwell, Brent Crays, Jason Rice and Harold Coleman.

Memorials are suggested to the Sharing Bucket and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Fort Scott, KS 66701.