Ed was born in Claycomo, Missouri, the youngest of seven boys raised by his mother, Kathryn C. Hurd, in a two-bedroom home in Claycomo. During his senior year at North Kansas City High School, Ed worked at a local grocery store. It was there that he first laid eyes on and fell for Peggy Ellen Ward, who was destined to be his Senior Prom date and first wife, the mother of his six children. In their years as a young family, Ed and Peggy took road-trip vacations enjoying the beauty of nature, traveling the US in their camper and sleeping under the stars. Ed and Peggy were dedicated square dancers, actively involved in the Do-Si-Doer’s Square Dance Club. They were married 28 years and one month when an unexpected accident left Peggy to die in his arms.
Though heartbroken, Ed knew he needed to continue to live and be present for his children. He returned to the square dance scene where he met his sassy second wife, Betty Sue Egleston. Ed and Betty married and blended their families, continuing to dance and remain active. After a long career in the grocery business, Ed semi-retired. Not wanting to sit idle, he ran a lawn care service before finally settling into full retirement.
Ed and Betty enjoyed traveling the country together. In 2011, they traded the cold mid-west winters for year-round sunshine and moved to Mesa, AZ. There, they found an inviting community and a relaxing lifestyle. Ed and Betty were married for 38 years. Together they loved 26 grandchildren and 25 great grandchildren, always remembering each one’s birthday, and celebrating milestones of their lives.
Ed was a dedicated son, devoted husband, a rock for his family, and a hard worker. He was a kind, calm man, and a matter-of-fact, get ‘er done, kind of soul. He always put others before himself. He lived his life with humility and integrity, stepping into each role life dealt him with full dedication. Ed didn’t like a lot of fuss; he took pleasure in kicking back to enjoy simple pleasures and reminisce about days gone by. We remember him with a spark in his eye and that warm, smirky smile that seldom left his face.
He is preceded in death by his mother, Kathryn; his wife, Peggy; his wife, Betty; his three daughters: Dianne Millen, Sharon Wilson, and Suzanne Read; two grandsons: Noah Millen and Matthew Allen; and five brothers: Jimmy, Patrick, Jerry, Paul, and John.
Ed is survived by his brother Wayne; his three sons: Dennis (Marisa), Robert (Chris), and Gary; as well as his children by marriage to Betty: Chuck (Arinrada), David (Hyunsook), Phil, and Joy (John); and his many grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Ed, we love you. We will draw strength from your example of how to persevere through difficult times. You will be missed and never forgotten. Rest in peace and may perpetual light shine upon you.
A Visitation for Ed will be held Friday, June 9, 2023 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, St. Gabriel Archangel Parishat 4737 N Cleveland Ave, Kansas City, MO 64117. With a Memorial Mass to follow at 11:00 AM. A Committal Service will occur Friday, June 9, 2023 at 12:30 PM at Resurrection Cemetery, 5001 NE Cookingham Dr, Kansas City, MO 64156.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.mcgilleyantiochchapel.com for the Hurd family.
