Hurshel H. Haley

Hurshel Haley, age 91 of Magnolia, passed away November 30, 2022 surrounded by his loving family. Hurshel Harold Haley was born May 21, 1931, in the little town of Yale, Oklahoma, to Lillie Hope Taylor Haley and James Isaac Haley. The fifth of seven children, Hurshel grew up on the family’s small farm and orchard, and walked to Eagle School, a one-room schoolhouse on a country lane. Hurshel’s oldest sister, Marlee, was one of his first teachers. Hurshel graduated from Yale High School in 1949. He farmed and worked various trades until being drafted into the US Army in 1951 to serve his country in Germany during EUCOM and later as an Army Reservist. In October 1955, Hurshel married Erma Glenndeana “Deana” Seybert, his true heart and helpmeet, with whom he raised two children, Sheila and Harold Haley. He was a gruff but loving father, admired and cherished by his children. Hurshel was a farmer, cattleman, welder, general foreman, and all-around hand, which instilled in him a tremendous work ethic that lasted throughout his life. Hurshel often worked with family and friends. He was stickler, but also known to help a co-worker or employee in need. Hurshel’s primary career was in steel fabrication and construction, as co-owner of Shiloh Tank Co. in Springdale, Arkansas, for over 25 years. Following his retirement in 1986, Hurshel and Deana relocated to Texas and began a second career breeding, raising, training, and competing on barrel horses. The Haleys made many longtime friends, sharing laughs, thrills, work, and horse sweat, with riders of all ages. Hurshel was especially fond of teaching young riders and training young horses, and was never happier than seeing a great run by one of their students, two-legged or four-legged. He was also thrilled to win, of course! Hurshel gave his time, talent, and labor generously and inexhaustibly to family, friends, and the community for over seven decades. He is already sorely missed. The Addison family and staff of Magnolia Funeral Home extend condolences to Hurshel's family and friends during this difficult time.