Rawleigh M. Hursh, 77, of Nampa, Idaho went home to be with his Lord on August 25, 2011 after a courageous battle with cancer.

He was born on March 28, 1934 at Chadwick, MO in Christian County. Rawleigh, an Evangelical Christian and middle son of Perry & Goldie Wyman Hursh was raised in Rueter, MO in Taney County until he graduated Forsyth High School with the Class of 1952.

After graduation, he worked briefly as a Sheriff's Deputy before serving his country in the U.S. Marine Corps on two separate enlistments during the Korean War & the Cold War era's, reaching the rank of Corporal & earning medals for National Defense, Korean Service, United Nations, Good Conduct, M1 Marksmanship as well as other Unit Citation medals.

Following his honorable discharge, he became a professional Union Painter, working as a Journeyman for many years at the Dutch Mills & Jordan Painting companies before capping his career with a 15 year tenure as Manager of the Paint Dept at the Veteran's Hospital in Boise, Idaho. He also served terms as President of the local Painters Union.

In his retirement years, he volunteered his time & talents to TV Channel 18, a local Christian TV station, undertaking many a project & new adventures with his good friend, Ron Stout.

Rawleigh made his home in near Lake Lowell, tending his acreage, enjoying the outdoors, sunsets, wildlife and eating mulberries before returning in time to catch a BSU Football game on TV. He enjoyed telling stories about his childhood capers in the Missouri Ozarks. Throughout his life, Rawleigh went out of his way to lending his time & efforts to help people with projects. His family, extended family and host of friends made lifetime memories of Rawleigh and will sorely miss him.

He is survived by his wife, Alma Pitman Hursh, his dear cat"Meemer", four children from prior marriages & their spouses: Daughter: Gail & Clint Hughes of Meridian, ID; Son: Paul & Lisa Hursh of Tacoma, WA; Daughter: Ann (Quila) Crawford & Steve Hancock of Boise, ID; Brent& Debbie Hursh of Meridian, ID and Alma's family, five cherished grandchildren, his brother Oliver & Harriette Hursh, Blue Eye, MO; sisters Ruby Hunsucker Goetz of Cedar Creek, MO; Pearl Adams of Springfield, MO; a half brother, Sherman & Oletha Jenkins of Lamar, MO and family friend, Ron Stout of Nampa, Idaho.

His son, parents, two brothers and a sister preceded him in death

Arrangements are being handled by the Nampa Funeral Home, Yraguen Chapel with a memorial service at Nampa Christian Center, 1423 2ndSt. So., Nampa at 1:30 pm on Monday, August 29, 2011 officiated by Pastor Jessie Garcia. Graveside military honors and internment will follow at Meridian Cemetery. Oliver "Dawg" Hursh will place a family memorial for Rawleigh "Bang" at the Wyman cemetery in Reuter, MO.

Rawleigh and his family send their gratitude to the caring team at the Veteran's Hospital & Hospice Unit. A special tip of Dad's sassafras stick to Dr. Moe, Dr. Walker, Tanna and Alarria for their gallant efforts in making possible a brief, memorable visit to his daughter's home in Meridian.

The family strongly prefers that in lieu of flowers, donations be directed to the Veterans Hospice Unit, Boise, Idaho, to honor our special Veterans.