Ronald Raymond Hurst Sr., 87 of Lovington, passed away on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at Carle BroMenn Medical Center in Normal. He was born on August 3, 1938, in Bellville, the son of Raymond Emmett and Ruth Ann (Voegtle) Hurst. He married Margie M. Griffin on January 13, 1968, in Taylorville, and she preceded him in death on April 28, 2016. Ron grew up in Taylorville graduating in 1956. He was a member of the 56’s and enjoyed attending their class reunions and monthly Angelo’s get together’s. After high school, Ron proudly served in the Marine Corp. He attended barber college before signing on at Firestone in Decatur where he retired as a robotics technician. Ron then returned to his real passion as a barber at Jon’s Barbershop in Taylorville.
Ron brought his young family to Mt. Zion in 1974. There, Ron was best known as a dedicated, hardworking father who enjoyed spending time with his family, coaching little league, traveling with his pull behind camper, and interrupting his wife’s t.v. shows with his Ham Radio obsession. Even before his retirement, Ron was a legendary barber who offered a neat trim along with his adventurous tales and words of wisdom. He was also a well respected mentor to many of his friends and extended family. He and Margie eventually moved to Lovington in 1999 and Ron expanded that circle of friends with his loyal friendship and insightful anecdotes. Ron’s favorite role was ‘PaPa’ to the four grandchildren who he has adored, loved, and supported into adulthood. He enjoyed getting to help with school field trips, recording their band concerts and dance recitals, cheering them on at sporting events, and driving around multiple states to visit them. His true love, Margie, has taken him now to join her “together again in the far fields, the windy cliffs of forever.”
He is survived by his children: Marilana Mychele “Margie” Hurst (Danny May) of Normal, Christel McQuality of Dalton City, and Ronald Raymond Hurst Jr. of Harristown; grandchildren: Rachel Hurst (Adam Bendele) of Denver, Colorado, Brian McQuality (Kaitlyn) of Noblesville, Indiana, Dr. Griffin McQuality D.C. (Dr. Elizabeth D.C.) of St. Charles, Missouri, and Brady Raymond Hurst (Kyra) of Pana; great grandchildren: Gretchen Olichwier, Stella Olichwier, Edith Morse, Faith Morse, Charlotte Hurst, Clara McQuality, and Hartford Hurst; brother: Daryl Hurst (Judy) of Decatur; sister: Janet Spoonamoore (John) of Raleigh, North Carolina; many cherished cousins, several beloved nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter: Rachel Cyritha “CeeCee” Goacher; nephew: Jeffrey Hurst; and niece: Beth (Spoonamoore) Henseler.
A funeral service for Ron will take place at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, December 15, 2025, at McClure Funeral Home in Taylorville. The visitation will be held one hour prior to the funeral and burial will take place in Oak Hill Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Richland Community College. McClure Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Taylorville is assisting the family with arrangements.