This was posted in the Victoria Advocate today. It is a well written article. My cousin is quoted in the article as well. I hope this doesn't open another can of worms.



The love and the loss experienced by Amanda Hurst was evident Wednesday. With composure, she spoke of the father, the son, the amazing husband who was Justin Hurst.

Hurst, a game warden, was shot and killed early Saturday morning.

Amanda Hurst's loss is shared by the community of El Campo and the community that is law enforcement. The sanctuary of the First United Methodist Church was full of mourners as were two annex rooms where the service was shown on closed-circuit television. Hundreds of others stood outside, listening through speakers.

City, county, state and federal law officers were represented, including nearly the entire game warden staff from across the state. The reception following the service filled the El Campo Civic Center to near overflowing.

"There are 495 game wardens statewide, and only a handful aren't here today," Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Maj. Dick Herzog said. "A few had to stay on the job. We even have two wardens back on the East Coast for training and they planned a moment of silence to coincide with the start of the service. ... And the overall turnout with representatives of so many agencies is a fitting tribute for him."

At the close of the service, the casket was moved to the church lawn, where the Texas flag that draped his casket was folded and presented to his widow. A 21-gun salute and the playing of taps followed.

Amanda Hurst first remembered her husband as a family man and then a lawman.

"Those who knew him know he was humble, strong, wise and thorough. I know that, for what he did Saturday, he did with courage and preparation."

The man she knew was different from the public persona of a quiet, dedicated lawman, she said. She talked of how her husband had done the cooking, helped with household chores and was a "cute" pool boy, leaving her time to pursue her own activities. And, she said, there was his romantic side.

"There is a love we shared, a passion for each other," she said. "We were hunting buddies. We held hands and would always tell each other how we were feeling. He would stop and pick me flowers."

He was also passionate about family, in particular his 4-month-old son, Kyle.

"Kyle was the world to Justin," she said. "I think it was harder for him to go back to work after he was born than it was for me. Justin never sang, but I would hear him singing to Kyle. He made up a 'monkey song' for him. I'd catch him singing it and he'd give me a grin. Kyle is the spitting image of Justin."

She urged everyone to learn from the lessons of her husband's life - care about others.

"Never leave without telling your loved ones how you feel about them," she said. "Never leave without leaving them with a kiss. And even if you leave 10 times a day, tell them every single time. It is the most honorable way to show people how much you care."

Her husband was driven by his love for nature, she said.

"Justin lived for the outdoors and had an understanding for God's creations," she said. "His passion for waterfowl started with his dad and that led him to be a hunting guide. It became his college major and then he became a biologist before becoming a game warden."

Brent Cerny and Clint Kacal knew Hurst when he was a wildlife guide.

"He was a good friend and always had time to help us on the farm and watched over our property," Cerny said. "He never told me no if I asked a favor, for his neighbors or even people he didn't even know.

"He took me under his wing and taught me everything he knew. He was probably the best goose hunter I ever knew."

Kacal said that Hurst was a role model.

"We looked up to him as a hunter," Kacal said. "Even on the bad days, he always came through with something. But we also tried to pattern our lives on his example. He was always respectful of everyone. Everyone liked him because he had time for them and would listen to them. We all wanted to be like him, both as a hunter and as a person."

Amanda and her husband's older brother, Greg Hurst, urged people who knew the game warden, particularly other wardens, to write down their memories to share with his son and asked them to help raise Kyle like this father would have wanted - knowing the outdoors.

They also expressed their appreciation to the community of El Campo and law enforcement agencies for their support of the family since the shooting took place. Greg urged people not to dwell on the loss, but to use it as inspiration.

"We can't ask too many 'what ifs,'" he said. "We should ask what we can really do now to move forward and make a difference.

"People say it is hard for a younger brother to live up to an older one," he said. "For me, it is going to be hard to live up to the quality of life of my little brother."

A biography included in the program for the service read that Hurst was born in Wheatridge, Colo., and started his career with Texas Parks and Wildlife on Aug. 31, 1995, after graduating from Texas A&M University. He graduated from the Texas Game Warden Academy in August 2002. He died on Saturday, his 34th birthday.

In a news release before the funeral, the family wrote they "appreciate all of the support of their friends, law enforcement officers, and the community. We ask that people respect our family, grief, mourning and remembrance during this difficult time.

"Justin was a man of unmatched caliber, initiative, and honor. His love for the outdoors, conservation, the law, and his family carries us through this difficult time. We ask that people take time to give thanks for his brief time with us and spend time with your family and loved ones."

Donations may be made to the Justin Hurst Memorial Fund at any Prosperity Bank location.

Barry Halvorson is a reporter for the Advocate. Contact him at 361-798-3888 or hvilladv@vicad.com or comment on this story here.