Hurshel H. Ackles Jr.

Hurshel Howard Ackles Jr., 89, of Lower Burrell went home to be with the Lord on Thursday October 14, 2022.  He was born October 24, 1932, in Brownsville, PA to the late Hurshel Howard Sr. and Mary Alice (Claytor) Ackles.

A military man who spent a lifetime serving our country, he was affectionately known as “GI Joe”, which eventually turned into his favorite title “Papa Joe” coined by his beloved six grandchildren.  He attended Ambridge High School and joined the military directly after graduation. Hurshel was a brave Army and Air Force Veteran, captured as POW in the Korean War, and fought in the Vietnam War as well.  After retiring from the Air Force in 1976, he worked as a Material Handler for PPG until his final retirement in 1991.   He loved all sports, especially his Pittsburgh Steelers, was always brushed up on the latest news, and was so proud to be a dedicated American serviceman.  Hurshel was a good soldier, loving and devoted husband, and best father who taught us what love was when life isn’t always perfect. His unwavering loyalty to his family, friends, community and country will never be forgotten, and his legacy of hard work, good character, and deep love will forever be embraced by his surviving beloved wife of 34 years, JoAnn (Edwards) Ackles; children, Jodi (Harold) Jones, Vernon (Cherese) Benson, and Beverly Benson; six grandchildren, Allan, Miaka, Ian, Kaila, Zachary, and Kyle; 12 great grandchildren; one great-great grandson; siblings, Lillian E. Ackles, Carl (Betty) Ackles, George E. (Eunice) Ackles, and Cora A. (Rich) McDonald; and many nieces and nephews, whom he adored.

In addition to his parents, He will join his siblings in heaven, Grace Marie Lewis, Wanda L. Johnson, Norma Jean Ackles, and Rose Mae Kemp who died one day prior to Hurshel; and brothers, Alfred A. Ackles and William Ackles.

Please join us to honor and celebrate Hurshel’s life with viewing from 10 a.m. until time of funeral service at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 20, 2022 at Greenwood Memorial Park Mausoleum, 104 Melwood Road, Lower Burrell, with a white dove release and full military honors. Entombment will follow. Ross G. Walker Funeral Home Ltd., New Kensington is entrusted with Hurshel’s arrangements. To leave an online condolence or share a memory of Hurshel please visit www.rossgwalker.com. 

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