Wilbur Lynn Hurd
May 23, 1929 - November 19, 2011
Wilbur L. Hurd, 82, died at 5:37 p.m. Nov. 19, 2011, at Kindred Hospital in Lima. He was born in Columbus on May 23, 1929, to Lewis F. and Mercile B. Laughbaum Hurd, who preceded him in death. On March 8, 1953, he married Joanna Smith, who survives in Lima.
Mr. Hurd taught instrumental and vocal music in public schools for 20 years, six years for Bath Local Schools, and was a guidance counselor for 17 years including seven years in Jackson Center Local Schools. His last position was an educational and vocational guidance counselor for the Allen County Correctional Institution.
He earned his bachelor's degree in music education from The Ohio State University and his master's degree in guidance from the University of Toledo. He was a charter member of Lima Civic Chorus, a member of St. Paul United Methodist Church of Elida and a previous member and choir director of Epworth United Methodist Church. His memberships also included the Masonic Senate Lodge 378, of Forest; the Garrett Wyckoff Lodge 585 Free and Accepted Masons; TBDBITL Alumni Club of the Ohio State University Marching Band; the Allen County Retired Teachers Association; Reserve Officers Association; and Lima Chapter 115 "Johnnie" Johnson Korean War Veterans Association, of which he was a charter member. He proudly served in the Navy in Korea and Japan during the Korean War, later was the commanding officer of the Naval Surface Division at the Lima Naval Reserve Training Center, and had retired as a lieutenant commander with 22 years of active and reserve duty. He received the enlisted Good Conduct Medal, Occupation (Japan) Medal, Naval Reserve Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Korean Medal (three stars), United Nations Medal, National Defense Medal, Korean War Service Medal, Korean Cold War Medal, Croix du Bombattant Voluntaire, Medaille Desoperations De L'Organization, and Des Nations Unies EnCoree.
Survivors include two sons, Gary (Deb) Hurd, of Lima, and Alan (Tyrsa) Hurd, of Westerville; five grandchildren, Dallas, Dwanna (Miah Rich), Nekoda, Shalisha and Deandre; two great-grandchildren, Calvin and Karis; and a twin brother, Walter L. (Betty Lou) Hurd, of Marengo. He was preceded in death by a brother, Lewis Hurd Jr. Services will begin at 10 am Wednesday at St. Paul United Methodist Church, Elida. Pastor Ruth Solo will officiate, assisted by Pastor Michael Smith. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery, Lima. Friends may call from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 pm Tuesday at Chiles-Laman Funeral and Cremation Services, Shawnee Chapel, and from 9 to 10 am Wednesday at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul United Methodist Church, 105 E. Main St., Elida, OH; or Honor Flight Columbus, 2185 Ridgecliff Road, Columbus, OH 43221.
Wilbur was a member of the marching band in 1949 and 1950. He played tenor horn.
