Steven A. Hurst

Steven A. Hurst, 66, passed March 3, 2019. Memorial services will be 10:30 AM, Monday, March 11 at Park Lawn, 8251 Hillcrest Rd.; private burial in Memorial Park Cemetery.

Steven A. Hurst was born on October 15, 1952 in St. Joseph, MO. He was an active, energetic little guy, according to his brother. Together with his parents, Ivan and Norma Hurst, and his 3 brothers, he kept S. 9th St. busy with a horse, dog and cat, a large garden and a go-kart. He knew the best short cuts on the south side, but often took an extra half hour to get home. As a youngster, he stuck up for his older brother, and got into many scraps to defend him. He was accident prone due to his activity level and had many stitches, a few broken bones and lots of adventure stories to tell.

Steve was small but active in sports as a child. He especially loved to swim. He went on many fishing excursions with his parents and brothers. He was very active in Boy Scouts, achieving the rank of Eagle Scout after his spinal cord injury.

The defining moment of Steve’s life was December 18, 1968. The day after he got his driver’s license, he was in a car accident and thrown from the car. He broke his neck and had a skull fracture. He was taken to KU Medical Center to stabilize his neck and determine the level of injury. Once he woke up from his 3-day coma, he realized that life would never be the same, but Steve was determined that a “little” spinal cord injury wasn’t going to hold him back.

Steve was a graduate of Benton High School, St. Joseph, MO (1972). He was proud to graduate on time with his class after enduring many months in the hospital and rehabilitation center following his injury. Steve decided to use his mind after his body betrayed him. He went to Missouri Western State College and graduated with a Bachelor of Social Work degree. He became an advocate for people with disabilities and worked tirelessly to help them personally and to help the community learn to support people with disabilities. Steve worked at the Rehabilitation Institute, the Social Security Administration and The Whole Person. He retired before he wanted to due to health complications.He volunteered on the board of Sherwood Center and the Whole Person for a time.

Steve was a model of independence. Despite having limited use of his hands and no use of his legs he was able to take care of his personal needs, drive and get around in the community, at least where there were curb cuts. He LOVED the Royals from the beginning. One he moved to Kansas City he was able to get to more games, but he always listened to them on the radio or watched on tv. He was active in disabled sports, particularly bowling. He was proud to bowl several 200+ games and a 500+series.

Steve was a family man. He married LuAnne and they adopted two boys. The boys had their own disabilities, but Steve took part in raising them. Steve taught his boys to love 70’s music. He also teased them a lot. Mike said that his Dad gave him his sense of humor. He drove Mark around a lot to see trucks on the highway and to go see trains.

Steve was very excited to celebrate the World Series Championship of his Royals twice!  He was proud to volunteer one year at Royals FanFest.

In the last months of his life, Steve celebrated his 66th birthday (Route 66) in October and his 50th anniversary of his disability in December.

Steve periodically reflected on his life by writing stories and poems. The most recent is shared below.

Steve is survived by his wife, LuAnne, son, Michael, mother, Norma, and brothers Jerry (Jan) and Rodney (Carol). He was preceded in death by son, Mark, father, Ivan and brother, Tom.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to South-Broadland Presbyterian Church (Common Grounds Fund) or to Variety KC.

Whoda Thunk

Whoda Thunk I could survive?
Not seen as bright or even mature;
Destined for hard labor or muckin’ manure;
I really blew it when I started to drive.

Whoda Thunk I’d live this long?
Broke my neck when I was a kid.
Got my license and went into a skid.
My first legal drive went terribly wrong.

Whoda Thunk I’d become the man I am?
No Lawyer, Judge or Scientist.
Doctor, Businessman or Dentist.
Just Steve, The Dirty Old Man!

Happy 50th Birthday to Me!

Steven A. Hurst
10/15/52

Memorial services will be 1030AM, Monday, March 11 at Park Lawn, 8251 Hillcrest Rd.; private burial in Memorial Park Cemetery.