Ray Kent Hurt, 88, Ellis, died Monday, June 29, 2009, at Hays Medical Center.

He was born July 30, 1920, in Ellis to Abbie Alma (Andrews) and Henry Thomas Hurt. He was a 1939 graduate of Ellis High School.

He married Margaret Jane Miller on Dec. 20, 1942, in Ellis. She preceded him in death Aug. 13, 2000.

He was employed by Union Pacific Railroad Motor Freight Co. for more than 15 years and Fort Hays State University maintenance prior to retirement. He later was a USD 388 bus driver for eight years and was a Foster Grandparent at Washington Elementary School. He was a U.S. Navy veteran, serving during World War II.

He was a member of the American Legion, Masonic Lodge, Ellis United Methodist Church for 60 years, was a member of the Ellis City Council and served on the library board and was a Boy Scout leader.

Survivors include a son, Doug Hurt and wife, Mary Ellen, West Lafayette, Ind.; a daughter, Rebecca Sue Rorabaugh and husband, Chris, Ellis; a sister, Esther Marsden and husband, Bud, Panama City, Fla.; six grandchildren, Adlai Hurt, Knoxville, Tenn., Austin Hurt, St. Paul, Minn., Dustin Rorabaugh, Russell, Rachel Hartman, Shawnee, Jessica Bollig, Topeka, and Robbi Nartey, Edmond, Okla.; and 11 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers and five sisters.

Services will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at Ellis United Methodist Church; burial in Mount Hope Cemetery, Ellis.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Keithley Funeral Chapel, 400 E. 17th, Ellis.

Memorials are suggested to memorial benches placed at Washington Grade School.

Condolences can be sent to the family at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com.