Archie R. Hursman

Saturday, April 25, 2015 from 4 - 6 p.m. at Waters Funeral Chapel in Vandalia.

Sunday, April 26, 2015 at 1:30 p.m.. at Waters Funeral Chapel.
Officiating: Rev. Bob Hoehn.
Music: selected favorite songs.
Interment: Vandalia Cemetery.
Pallbearers: Justin, Ryan, and Jordan Eskew, Gary and Larry Eskew, and Dan Kemp.

Archie R. Hursman passed away unexpectedly at 6:38 p.m. on Tuesday, April 21, 2015 at the family's home in Vandalia. His wife, Phyllis, was by his side.

Born: September 8, 1930 in Vandalia, Missouri the son of Jim Mosie and Pearl Faye (Goins) Hursman.

Married: Phyllis Marguerite Eskew on May 26, 1950 in Vandalia. They were high school sweethearts; soon to celebrate 65 years together. They enjoyed camping and traveling across the country. Archie was an avid fisherman and hunter and enjoyed a good book. Archie retired after 22.7 years from Farmall Works in Rock Island, Illinois where he was a lathe operator. He was a proud UAW member, a staunch Democrat, and a Mason for 50 years, with membership at the Vandalia Masonic Lodge # 491 AF & AM.

Survivors include: wife, Phyllis of Vandalia; 3 children, Deborah (Ted) Wells of Louisville, KY; Dennis (Joyce) Hursman of Auburndale, FL; Douglas (Sheri) Hursman of Ozark, MO. He also leaves behind 12 grandchildren, Shawn; Shani; Tyra; Amber; Adam; Tia; Brandi; Emily; Justin; Megan; Marguerite; Brittany; and 13 great-grandchildren, Ashley; Mason; Madison; Zana; Abigail; Wyatt; Tristen; Tyler; Gavin; Isla; Fisher; Wesley and Charlie. Papa Archie was a great story teller; he could capture your heart and mind talking about his life. Once he was asked what he wanted to be when he grew up; his answer, "a cowboy". One of his favorite sayings was, "I'm as hard as a pine knot". He definitely never gave into defeat. Dad taught us all and touched us deeply. He believed in being educated, working hard and earning your pay, being fair and kind to others, and to always be your best.

Preceded in death by: parents; one brother, Jim R. Hursman and one sister, Sylvia M. Wilson.

The family wishes to thank; Mary Helen Eskew, Renee and Merle James, Rosalind Welch, Teri Eoff, doctors and nurses at SSM-Audrain Hospital, Vandalia EMS, Vandalia Police, and Gary Rahmeyer of Waters Funeral Home for their compassion, caring, love and support.

Memorials are encouraged to the American Heart Association or to the Vandalia Area Historical Society