Hensley Tapply Hurt

Hensley Tapply Hurt, 94, of Gonzales, passed away Saturday, August 22, 2020. Hensley was born on November 8, 1925 at the family home in the community of Dewville, Gonzales County, Texas. He is the son of Walter and Kate Hensley Hurt and the youngest of four children. He joined the Dewville Methodist Church as a young boy. His great-grandfather, Elijah Randolph Hurt was a founding Trustee of the Dewville Methodist Church in 1857. Hensley was also a member of the Gonzales First United Methodist Church.

Hensley graduated from Nixon High School with the Class of 1942 and graduated from Texas State University with a Bachelor of Science degree. He served eight years in the military during WWII and the Korean War.

In 1959 he married Mary Ella Scheske and they made their home in Gonzales. He retired from the Human Resources of Texas as a supervisor with 32 years of service and a territory that extended from Gonzales to Harlingen. 

He was a lifelong rancher in cow and calf production and operated ranches in Gonzales and Guadalupe Counties. His family were pioneers in farming and ranching in the Dewville Community. He was a member of the Southwestern Cattlemen’s Association. He loved the land and was a strict conservationist although he was an avid hunter and fisherman.

Hensley became a Master Mason in Lodge #985 in Nixon and was recognized as a 50-year member. He was a member of the York Rite Knights of Templar in Gonzales, a member of the Scottish Rite Bodies in San Antonio, and the Alzafar Shrine of San Antonio. He was a member of the Gonzales Elks Lodge and the Texas Employees State Association.

Hensley Hurt is survived by his adoring wife, Mary Ella Scheske Hurt, his beloved nephew, Frank Hurt, Jr., “Julie” of Gonzales and two nieces, Amanda Gross “Louis” of Dewville, Barbara Seeber “Al” of Washington, D.C. and many extended nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters, Katherine Hurt and Lily Beth Hurt and a brother, Franklin Hurt. 

Graveside services will be held Tuesday, September 1, 2020 in the Gonzales Masonic Cemetery with Rev. Dr. Matt Pennington officiating.  Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church or the charity of one’s choice. 

Friends may leave their condolences and share their fond memories of Hensley Hurt with the family by visiting www.seydlerhillfuneralhome.com. Due to current CDC and State mandates, protective measures regarding social distancing, limited attendance capacity, and use of personal protective masks will be required for the graveside service. Those remotely symptomatic of Covid 19 are politely asked not to attend. Services are under the care and direction of Seydler-Hill Funeral Home.