Funeral Services for Chief Hurlbert, age 78, of O'Neill will be at 10:30 am on Friday, January 26, 2024 at Christ Lutheran Church in O'Neill with Rev. John Nelson officiating. Burial will follow in the O'Neill Cemetery with Military Rites provided by the O'Neill American Legion Simonson Post 93. Visitation will be from 5-7 pm on Thursday, January 25, 2024 at Biglin's Mortuary in O'Neill with a 7 pm prayer service. Chief passed away on Friday, January 19, 2024 at Avera Sacred Heart Hospital in Yankton, South Dakota. Memorials may be directed to his family for future designation. Arrangements are entrusted to Biglin's Mortuary in O'Neill.

Allen Ray Hurlbert was born on November 12, 1945 in Loup City, Nebraska to Kenneth and Mary (Barnes) Hurlbert. He grew up in Sargent, Nebraska and attended Sargent High School through the eleventh grade. He then went to work in Aurora, Nebraska for Dowd Grain. He and Don Novak moved to O'Neill to install Irrigation Systems for Dowd's on their O'Neill Farms location.

Chief then joined the Army on October 17, 1968 and served a tour in Vietnam. After he was Honorably Discharged on July 8, 1970, he returned to O'Neill, Nebraska. One of Chief's friends introduced him to his sister, Patsy Newton. The couple was married on November 13, 1971 in the First United Methodist Church in O'Neill. To this union was born two children; daughter Brenda and son Keith. Chief worked for Dowd Grain/O'Neill Farms for 40 years where he was a Foreman for the elevator. Chief helped build the huge flat storage buildings that are well known in the O'Neill area. He retired in 2002 due to health issues but continued to help part time.

Chief enjoyed going camping, fishing, and having coffee with friends and family. In his free time, he would enjoy watching western shows and in his younger years enjoyed friends and a cold one at Tom's Madison Street Tavern and Dugan's Pub. Chief was a member of the O'Neill American Legion Simonson Post 93 and the VFW Post 926 for many years.

Chief is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Patsy Hurlbert of O'Neill; two children, Brenda Hurlbert of O'Neill, and Keith (Amy) Hurlbert of Norfolk, NE; five Grandchildren, Katelyn, Addison and Korbin Hurlbert, Paige Woodson, and Aubrey Herbolscheimer; two great grandchildren, Lyberty Hurlbert and Ripley Foran; sisters, Karolyn (Herb) Glinsmann of Arcadia, NE and Marcia (Pat) Carruth of Poulsbo, Washington; brother, Kenny (Judy) Hurlbert of Wheatland, Wy; sister-in-law, Marlys Hurlbert of Pendelton, OR; several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and Mary Hurlbert; brothers Garrie Hurlbert and Freddie Hurlbert.