Hurley Alvin Breech

Hurley Alvin Breech of Eureka, a true son of the Kansas prairie, passed on Sunday, March 23, 2025, at Greenwood County Hospital in Eureka, at the age of 90.

Born under the wide-open skies of South Salem Township on September 9, 1934, to Donald Moses and Gussie Olivet (Holverson) Breech, he was raised amidst the rolling hills and cattle country he’d come to know and love. He attended Holverson School and later Eureka High School, where he traded his schoolbooks for the gridiron of the football field and a trombone in the band. He rode off into his adult life, graduating from Eureka High School with the Class of 1953.

On June 21, 1953, Hurley was united in marriage to Lee Jane O’Neal at the Upper Fall River Church. They made their home in rural Greenwood County. To this union, four children were born. Hurley worked for E.C. Roby until his passing. After that, Hurley rented the Roby Ranch and ran his own cattle for many years. He later leased the Rader place as well. He began working for Flint Hills Feed in the mid-70s. During his time at Flint Hills, he was known far and wide as a knowledgeable cattle feed man. He won sales awards from Purina for many years. He was even a top national seller once for minerals.

Hurley volunteered many hours for 4-H in Greenwood County. He was a youth member at Upper Fall River and later was a leader for Harmony Sunflowers 4-H Club. He was also a member of the Greenwood County Fair Board and was instrumental in its development/success. He spent a great deal of time at rodeos as well. He was primarily a team roper and also participated in other rodeo events.

Jane preceded him in death on November 30, 2007.

Hurley is survived by his children: Kelly and wife, Jeanna Breech of Nowata, Oklahoma; Rodney Breech and partner, Danna Jacobs of Medicine Lodge, Kansas; Cindy and husband, Larry Hayes of Eureka; and Kim Kelly of Eureka; twelve grandchildren: Dustin and wife, Marianna Breech; Jim and wife, Dez Breech; Tyson Breech; Lacey Breech; Garrett Breech; Lexie Hayes; Brett Hayes; Kevin and wife, Ashley Hayes; Logan and wife, Laura Hayes; Wyatt Kelly; Kyan and husband, Seth King; and Georgia Kelly; ten great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Jane; and two siblings: Donald Breech and Carol Ott.

Memorial services will be held at 1:00 P.M., Monday, March 31, 2025, at Christ Lutheran Church, Eureka, with Rev. Sue Ellen Wenthe officiating. Cremation has taken place. A private inurnment will take place at a later date at Upper Fall River Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to the Eureka Saddle Club, the Greenwood County 4-H Foundation, or to the Lacey Breech Cancer Fund. Contributions may be sent in care of Koup Family Funeral Home, PO Box 595, Eureka KS 67045, which is overseeing arrangements. Condolences may be left for the family online at koupfunerals.com.