Walter Russell Hurd

Walter R. Hurd, 96, of Punxsutawney, passed away on Friday, September 17, 2021at the home of his daughter Wendy Depp and husband Doug Depp.

He was born on October 15, 1924, in LaJose, a son of the late Herbert H and Dove L. (Barrett) Hurd.

Walter was a member of the 82nd Airborne Division of the United States Army.  He para-trooped into Normandy, France on June 6, 1944 (D-Day).  He later paraglided into Belgium on December 17, 1944 and entered the Battle of the Bulge. In 2019, Walter received the French Legion Medal of Honor at the 75th D-Day ceremonies in France for acts of heroism during World War II.  He returned to Normandy several times for the D-Day Anniversary celebrations.  After his service to his country, Walter was a policeman for a short period of time.  He then worked for a number of different bread delivery companies, before he became a Prudential Insurance Agent for many years.  He went door to door selling insurance and collecting premiums, particularly in the Sykesville area for years.

On February 27, 1948, he married Ruth A. Johnston.  She preceded him in death in 1975.  He later married Cloyann Freas/Rieg, she also preceded him in death.

Mr. Hurd was an avid outdoorsman.  He enjoyed hunting and fishing as well as baseball and golf.  He was an amateur photographer, mostly making family movies and outdoor films.

He was the last surviving Charter Member of the Clover Ridge Lodge.  He was also a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #2076, the Punxsutawney Lions Club and John W. Jenks Masonic Lodge #534.  Walter celebrated fifty years of Masonic membership on March 3, 2020 and received the fifty years Masonic Service Emblem.

He is survived by two sons, Randy Hurd and Wendy Deemer of Marion Center, Rick Hurd and wife Jill of Jefferson, Maryland; one daughter, Wendy Depp and husband Douglas; one stepson, John Rieg and Cora of Sykesville; two daughter in-laws, Patricia Hurd of Emerickville and Dr. Lisa Witherite Rieg of Corsica; one son inlaw, Mark Georgek; twelve grandchildren; seventeen great grandchildren; one brother, Glenn Hurd and wife Jennette of Milesburg; sister inlaw. Caroline Hurd and Brother inlaw, Robert Radomsky. many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by two wives, Ruth A. Johnston and Cloyann (Freas/Rieg); two sons, Richy A. Hurd and Wally L. Hurd; one grandson, Brady Hurd; one stepson, David Rieg; one stepdaughter, Stephanie Rieg; three brothers, Robert, Hugh and Herbert Hurd; three sisters, Eleanor Norris, Sarah Scarano and Joann Radomsky.

Friends will be received from noon until 4 p.m. Wednesday, September 22, 2021, at Shumaker Funeral Home, Punxsutawney.

A Masonic service will be held at 4 p.m. at the funeral home, followed by a funeral service officiated by Pastor Tharren Thompson, military honors will be accorded by the Jefferson County Veterans Honor Guard.

Interment will be at McClure Cemetery, Big Run.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Walter’s memory to the VFW Post #2076, Maple Ave., Punxsutawney, PA 15767

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