Jack Elton Hurlbut, 72, most recently of Mount Calm, Texas passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 14, 2013 after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s disease. There will be a family memorial for Jack at a time not yet determined.
He was born on January 21, 1941 in Houston, Texas to Milan and Vera Hurlbut. He graduated in 1959 from Aldine High School where he met his future wife, Gail Hurlbut. They were married in 1961 and for the next 51 years were inseparable. They had one child, Stephen Craig Hurlbut, whom they loved dearly. Jack was a celebrated high school athlete and went on to play football, first at Rice University, and then at the University of Alabama where he graduated in 1964. He was on Coach Bear Bryant’s first national championship team in 1962 and later went on to coach at Texas A&M. He then entered the business world and moved to Forney, Texas. He was very active in the First Baptist Church of Forney and served on the school board in Forney for many years. Later in life Jack and Gail moved back to Houston where he worked at both the University of Houston and Rice University in the athletic departments, which allowed him to be closer to the student athletes that he loved. Eventually they retired to Mount Calm, Texas, in 2005.
He is survived by his wife, Gail; his son, Stephen and daughter-in-law, Tammy; his grandchildren, Elizabeth and Matthew; his sister, Melba Spradling and brother-in-law, Joe Spradling; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, brother and sisters-in law, and many dear friends.
He believed in God, worked hard all of his life and was always willing to help his family and friends. Jack was known as a great football player but he will be remembered as being an even better husband, father, grandfather and friend. Our lives are a little bit less with his passing. He will be greatly missed.
In Jack’s final months the exceptional people at Homestead cared for him with great love and respect and we can never thank them enough.
In lieu of flowers please send any contributions to Homestead Nursing Home, 1725 Old Brandon Road, Hillsboro, TX, 76645.
Print Obituary & Condolences
I am so sorry for the loss of Mr Jack
May the many memories of him lighten your sorow. Jehovah God made possible a resurrection so we may see our love ones again. Ihope as the days go by you will feel better.