Kenneth Jay Hurst

INDIANAPOLIS – It is with tremendous sorrow that we announce the passing of Colonel (Ret.) Kenneth Jay Hurst, 62, on April 12th, 2025. Ken was born on November 19th, 1962, in Wayne, MI, to Jerry and Shirley (Blakey) Hurst. He was raised in Lawrenceburg, KY, where he attended Anderson County High School and graduated from the University of Kentucky. In 1987, Ken married the love of his life, Darla (Shafer), and together they embarked on a 38-year adventure around the world. Ken served in the United States Army for 26 years, retiring in 2011 as a Special Forces Colonel. Ken commanded tactical units from the A-Team to the Battalion level, with a final assignment as the Chief of Plans at United States Special Operations Command (SOCOM). Ken conducted numerous operational and combat deployments but always returned home to Darla and his son, Jay. Ken loved his family dearly, and while his life took them to many cities and countries, home was always where the three of them were together. In 2012, Ken fulfilled his promise of bringing Darla back to Indiana and began his second career at Cummins. There, Ken worked in various operational management roles and most recently served as the Area Operations Manager for much of Indiana and Ohio. Ken is survived by his wife, Darla; his son, Jay (Lisanne Anders) Hurst; his grandchildren, Lars and Klara Hurst; his parents, Jerry and Shirley (Blakey) Hurst; and his brother, Jerry (Christy Jane) Hurst; as well as many nieces and nephews who were cherished by “Uncle Ken”. Ken was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, William J. and Emma Hurst; maternal grandparents, Joe and Lucille Blakey; and his nieces, Dena Williams and Jill Hurst. Visitation will be held on Saturday, May 10th, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. at Erlewein Mortuary and Crematory, 1484 W. US HWY 40, Greenfield, IN 46140. The funeral service will take place immediately following the visitation at 12:00 p.m. Military rites and burial to occur at New Palestine Cemetery. The family invites you to join them for a gathering celebrating Ken’s life at The Sagamore Club, 10900 Golden Bear Way, Noblesville, IN 46060 following the graveside service. In lieu of flowers please consider contributing to the Green Beret Foundation at www.greenberetfoundation.org Friends may share a memory or condolence at www.erleweinmortuary.com.

Kenneth Jay Hurst

November 19, 1962 - April 12, 2025