Samuel Vernon Hurst, Jr. (Buzz), born December 19, 1932, passed from this life to eternal life on January 15, 2015.  He is survived by his best friend and wife of 25 years, Karen.  Also surviving are his daughters Sherry, Donna (Marcella), Julie and Amy (Kent), step-sons Scott, Michael (Crystal) and Rick Veach, nine grandchildren, seven great grandchildren and one nephew.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Thelma and Samuel Vernon Hurst, Sr. and his sister, Marilyn Cronin.

Sam was the Chief Effingham County Probation and Juvenile Officer for 30 years where he created the Teen Court Program, Public Work Service the the County Drug Testing Programs, and oversaw the Victim Impact Program.  Sam also started the Teen Court Program in Effingham County. He devoted his career to the youth of Effingham County through the many programs he was involved in either creating or steering. He was an original member of the Effingham County Youth Commission and started their first intramural basketball and flag football teams. Sam was on the Committees to bring the YMCA and F.A.C.E. to Effingham and spearheaded Big Brothers/Big Sisters for Effingham County. He coached girls' softball and boys' flag football for many years. Sam received numerous awards and accolades through the years including a Governor's Citation for Outstanding Services to Youth in 1972, Effingham Jaycees Outstanding Citizen Award in 1974, IL Probation Officer of the Year Award in 1974 and IL Probation and Court Officers Association Lifetime Achievement Award in 1995. He served as Corporal in the US Army in Germany during the Korean Conflict in 1952-53.

A visitation will be held Monday, January 19, at Bauer Funeral Home in Effingham from 9:00-11:00 am with a celebration of life service at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Robert Ward officiating. Pallbearers: Eric Hurst, Kent Miller, Drew Miller, Jacob Miller, Michael Veach, Alex Pasley. Honorary Pallbearers: Scott Veach, Scott Cronin, Robert Hurst, Durwood Hurst, Richard "Dick" Bence, David Campbell, Chris Pasley. The burial will be in Mt. Zion (Kickapoo Cemetery ) near Charleston, IL with a military service. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to STAR, a non-profit Court Program for Effingham County Probation Office or Effingham County Youth Commission.