Orville met his wife Dixie at the tender age of 19. They were married for 52 years. They had 3 children, LaDonna Lee Heltzer, Thomas Dean Hurst, and Dave Allen Hurst. They also raised LaDonna Lee Lawrence, their oldest granddaughter (i.e. Lovey Lee). He was preceded in death by his wife Dixie Joy Hurst, his daughter LaDonna Lee Heltzer, and his sisters Lila Knipple and Janet Blessing. He is survived by his two sons, his many grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.
Orville enjoyed horseback riding, the Capital City Horse and Pony Club, hunting with his family and friends, fishing, western movies, with his favorite being John Wayne. He also enjoyed raising livestock and all of his pets.
Orville worked at Biggerstaff Plumbing before starting his own plumbing business in 1972. He continued in that business until 2005, when he went to work for his son Dave's business before retiring. He had many friends and enjoyed his Friday Night Dinner Club.
A funeral service for Sonny will be held Friday, March 28, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Capitol City Christian Church, 7800 Holdrege Street, Lincoln, Nebraska 68505. Following the funeral service will be a burial at 2:00 PM at Lincoln Memorial Park and Cemetery, 6700 South 14th Street, Lincoln, Nebraska 68512. Family and Friends will meet at Gate #2 Prior to the service.
