Justin Todd Hurd, age 32 of rural Wingate and native of the Newtown/Mellott communities passed away from injuries received when his motorcycle was struck by a school bus on State Road 28 in Tippecanoe County, Friday afternoon May 15, 2026. Justin was born in Lafayette, June 15, 1993 to Joey Hurd and Amy Crane Hockenbury who both survive.

Justin was a 2012 graduate of Fountain Central High School and when he turned 18 during his senior year, he joined the Mellott Fire Department. He has been an active proud member since joining and served as Fire Chief for several years. He is also a member of Coal Creek Fire & Rescue. When the ‘tones went off’, he was often the first to arrive at the station. Justin earned his Advanced EMT qualifications and has been a full-time member of the Fountain County EMS Department the past 6 years. He previously had been employed with Ceres Solutions and ARCONIC in Lafayette.

Justin was a member of the Sterling Christian Church and his faith was important to him. He was community and family minded person…he served as coach of his children’s baseball team, seldom missed his kid’s activities or family gatherings. He had a kind, compassionate, helpful spirit, always assisting with activities in the community. He was quiet by nature, a good listener and a great friend. He enjoyed deer & coon hunting, fishing and helping Dillon Cunningham farm.

Surviving family members include: mother, Amy Crane (Travis) Hockenbury of Attica and father, Joey (Rebecca) Hurd of Newtown. His three children; Kip, Kori and Kodi Hurd. Sister, Mackenzie (Sam) Woodrow of Veedersburg and two brothers; Landon (Eden) Hurd of Veedersburg and Colbie Hockenbury of Attica. His girlfriend and her daughter Rae-Ann Bushong and Tinsley. Of Mulberry. He was called ‘Uncle Bub’ by Kash, Finlee and Gus Woodrow. Grandparents; Guy & Karen Hurd of Mellott and Larry & Shelley Crane of Williamsport. Also surviving are Aunt/Uncle Gary & Jackie Dulin of Waynetown and their children, Ethan and Breanna Dulin. He was preceded in death by grandmother Jamie Crane.

Visitation hours are 4:00 – 8:00 PM Thursday, May 21, 2026 at the Sterling Christian Church, Veedersburg. Funeral services 11:00 AM SATURDAY, May 23, 2026 at Family and Friends Funeral Home of Wingate with Pastor Jason Davis officiating. Burial will follow in Rose Hill Cemetery, Hillsboro. Memorial contributions in lieu of flowers may be given in memory of Justin to the Hurd Children Account/Fountain Trust Bank. Visit us online to sign the guest book or share a condolence at www.familyandfriendsfh.com