Homer Hurley, 95

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Homer H. Hurley, a man of boundless compassion, grace and intelligence, devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend to all. He joined his beloved wife of 65 years, Mary Louise, on Dec. 17, 2025. He lived a wonderful and adventurous life for 95 years. He was the steadfast father of Richard Hurley, (Andrea) Katie Hurley and David Hurley (Miho), and loving grandfather to Andrew Mackey, Jared Mackey, Anna Mackey and Willem Hurley. 

Homer was proud of his upbringing in Burke County, North Carolina, where he roamed the hills and swam and skipped rocks in the "Ginny Hole" with his six brothers and sisters. He moved from Burke County and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps at the urging of his brother, Arden. 

Education became a source of inspiration that guided his life. After completing his service, he enrolled in college using the GI bill and completing a PhD in botany at George Washington University. Homer always deemed education as an incredible gift that should be embraced and celebrated.  

He was a tenured professor in botany at Appalachian State University with a year spent with his family in Germany where he served as an exchange professor at the University of Goettingen, managing the herbarium. Homer and Mary Louise discovered the Rocky Mountain West after cross-country treks camping in the summers and eventually bought a ranch in Montana in the Flathead Valley. They enjoyed this lifestyle for many years interspersed with volunteer work in Honduras teaching with the Episcopal Church. 

Throughout Homer's life he was able to share his love of nature with his family which included accompanying him on college student field trips in North Carolina, collecting and drying plants throughout Europe, hiking in Glacier National Park, and bucking bales and running cattle on the ranch. Travel was an integral part of Homer’s life, and he and Mary Louise visited over fifty countries on six continents.  

Homer had the honor of spending his last years at Senescence Care Assisted Living, also fondly known as St. Thomas House in Missoula. The incredible staff made this his home through their friendship, unique compassion and exquisite care. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Senescence Care, St. Thomas House, 3000 St. Thomas Drive, Missoula, MT 59803.

Homer will be honored at All Saints Episcopal Church, Columbia Falls on Dec. 29 at 10 a.m. with a short reception to follow at the Parish Hall. Darlington Cremation and Burial Service is caring for the family.