Robert Franklin Hurst, known as Bob, of Panama City, Florida passed away at the age of 97 on March 9, 2026, at Chester Sims Veterans Home. He was the devoted husband of the late Sarah Huggins Hurst, who preceded him in death on August 16, 2024, and they are now reunited. He is survived by his three loving children. His daughter, Kim L Couture (Mike), and his sons; Kenneth R Hurst and Donald F Hurst; his cherished grandchildren, Tara Allgood, April Allgood (Erik), Amber Couture (Rob), Jacob Couture (Amber), Caleb Couture (Jen) and Sarah Hurst (Aaron). He also has 14 great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his three sisters, Jean Elbert, Rosemary Melton, Isma Simler and his brother Joe Hurst.

Bob was born August 22, 1928 in Corydon, Indiana. He was the son of Kenneth L Hurst and Lavine Schuppert Hurst. He graduated from Corydon High School in 1946 and enlisted in the US Navy as the draft for World War II was still in effect. He served on the destroyer USS Winslow until 1948 and then went to Indiana University where he graduated in 1952 with a Bachelor of Science degree. He went to work for a hardware company in Louisville, Kentucky as a salesman. During his travel in 1955 he met his future wife Sarah Huggins in Holly Springs, Mississippi.

Bob was transferred to Panama City, Florida that same year. Bob and Sarah wed in 1955. He became an Amoco jobber and later started Panama Petroleum.

His greatest joy was his marriage to Sarah. They shared 68 years of love, laughter and building their family. They enjoyed fishing at their place in Clewiston on Lake Okeechobee for many winters. Sarah was his best fishing partner. He also loved to play golf and was a member of Panama City Country Club for over 60 years.

His legacy is one of unwavering love, resilience, strong work ethic and a testament to the life he built with his beloved Sarah.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, March 20 in the Wilson Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Craig Brannon officiating. Interment will follow at the Lynn Haven Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday from 10 – 11 a.m. prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Bright Focus Foundation for Alzheimer’s Disease Research, https://donate.brightfocus.org/adr/fy26-2601-adr-control?tribute=true in memory of Robert Hurst.