Franklin David Hurst, age 85, of Newark, DE, passed away on August 20, 2018. He was born on March 6, 1933 in Trenton, FL to the late John T. Hurst, Sr. and Evie (Beasley) Hurst.

Franklin worked as a heavy equipment operator for 35 years, most recently for Christiana Excavating, before retiring in 2010. He took great pride in his work. Franklin loved spending time with his family. He was well known for his gift of storytelling, especially about the past. His favorite past times included crabbing, fishing, and hunting.

Franklin is survived by his wife of 60 years, Ruth Hurst, his two daughters: Evelyn Hurst Owens (Greg) of Elkton, MD, and Nancy Hurst Gant (Edward) of Middletown, DE; his eleven grandchildren: Jeremy (Jeanie) Baeder, Crystal Baeder, Christopher (Jamie) Baeder, Susan Smith, Thomas Smith, Tiffany (Alan) Billingsly, Amber Shire, Angelica Sweetman, Jeffrey Sweetman, Gregory Gant, and Chris Gant; his fifteen great-grandchildren: Nathan Baeder, Anthony Baeder, Alanna Sanders, Mariah Baeder, Vinney Baeder, Alivia Mealey, Connor Sullivan, Sophia Billingsly, Amara Blake, James Blake, Camden Shire, Legna Ward, Aubri King, Kaylynn Gant, and Dante Gant; his brother, Rudolph Hurst of Florida; his sister, Inell (Hurst) Harper, of Georgia and numerous extended family members and loved ones.

In addition to his parents, Franklin was preceded in death by his brother, John Hurst, Jr.; his daughters, Ruthie (Hurst) Gandy and Virginia Hurst; and his sons, David Eager and Thomas Dorsey, Jr.

A family organized memorial service honoring Franklin will be held at 3pm on Sunday, August 26, 2018 at Elkton Moose Lodge, 71 Cherry Hill Rd., Elkton, MD 21921. Burial will be private.