Joe Anthony Hurlbut

On Friday, August 27th of 2021, Joe Anthony Hurlbut (65) suddenly went home to be with his Heavenly Father. His loving wife of almost 38 years, Debbie Hurlbut, was at his side. Joe was born March 22, 1956 in Klamath Falls, Oregon. God blessed him with extra love from his parents Bob and Cleona (Johnson) Hurlbut and Isabel (Sapiens) and Ralph Welch.

Joe attended Keno Elementary School and Graduated from Henley High School in 1975. Joe joined the Army National Guard after graduation then joined the US Army. He received an honorable discharge in 1983 as well as several awards and medals while serving his country. He served in Germany and stateside at various posts as a cook for the Infantry and the MP’s. Upon his discharge he returned to Klamath Falls where he married his best friend and love of his life, Debbie Holzhouser Laver, on December 13th.

Joe worked as a CNA at Klamath County Nursing Home for 6 years. He then attended Oregon Institute of Technology, pursuing a degree in Computer Science. After graduation Joe worked for OIT for 30 years, starting out at IMTC, then moving to the Learning Resource center, building their network, and then finishing his career working at ITS as an Operating Systems and Network Analyst.

Joe was a loving son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. God and family were the most important things in his life. Joe loved spending time with his family. He especially loved backyard barbecues with his family, spending time with his grandchildren, camping with his family, his yearly hunting trips with his son and best friends, and teaching his children how to fish. He had many hobbies including archery, creating various items with paracord, reading, and watching TV. He was also a movie buff with over 1,000 movies in his collection, Star Wars being his favorite. Joe loved long drives in the country and traveling. His favorite places to visit were the Oregon Coast and Oregon Painted Hills.

Joe loved God and was a very active member of the Living Faith Fellowship for 33 years, serving as a Deacon and leader of the Men's Early Morning Bible Study. He was also a member of the Men’s Monday Night Bible Study, Thursday Night Small Group Bible Study, Brothers in Christ, the Security Team, and the co-leader of the Fellowship Committee with his wife. He was Cub Master for Troop 71 at Peterson Elementary School, member of Kingsley Bowmen, Girl Scout Cookie Dad, OIT Alumni, Supporter of KUHS Boys and Girls Bowling Team, #1 cheerleader for his children at their sporting activities, and #1 supporter of his wife.

Joe is survived by his loving wife Debbie; parents Isabel and Ralph Welch; children Shawnda (Scott) Laver Bennett, Sonny (Nicole) Laver, Beth Hurlbut, Felicia (Jerrod) Bojkewich, Toni (Joey) Bachman; his 7th rock; Sisters Reina Beard, Beverley Turner, Helen Pryor, Julie (Don) Blair, Brother Ralph (Teresa) Welch; 47 grandchildren and great-grandchildren; Sister-in-laws Nancy Hurlbut and Carol Jones; Numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, and uncles; his four legged buddies; Living Faith Fellowship family, OIT family, Jax and Vibra Specialty Hospital family, Brooke and Sky Lakes Medical Center family, Matt and Klamath Open Door family, and Anna and Asante Rogue Regional Rehab Center family.

Joe was preceded in death by daughter McKenzie Hurlbut; granddaughter Emilee Laver; great-grandson Cynseige Rowley; parents Bob and Cleona Hurlbut; parent-in-laws Bud and Edith Holzhouser; brother Myron Hurlbut; brother-in-laws Charles Beard, Winford Turner, and Bill Pryor; sister-in-law Sherry Buckingham; and daughter-in-law Melissa Laver.

Viewing will be Tuesday, September 14th, 2021 in O’Hair-Wards Funeral Chapel, 515 Pine St, Klamath Falls, Oregon from 4pm-6pm.

Service will be held Saturday, September 18th, 2021 at 11:00 am, in Living Faith Fellowship, 4549 Homedale Rd, Klamath Falls, Oregon. Potluck will follow at Wiard Park from 4pm-6pm. In lue of flowers please consider making a donation to OIT Alumni, Shriners, or Living Faith Fellowship.