Neil Hurd

March 01, 1940 to July 12, 2026

---

Neil Hurd peacefully passed away on July 12, 2026, in Katy, Texas. Born in Gothenburg, Nebraska on March 1, 1940, Neil lived a life hallmarked with kindness, generosity, and unwavering devotion to those he loved. His love for the Lord was the foundation of his life.

He was known to many as “Mr. Neil,” or his favorite
name, “Poppy,” a testament to the deep affection and respect he inspired in those who knew him. He had a heart of gold and was always a phone call away, ready to lend a hand, to bring the forgotten lunch, to rescue from the side of the road when a car broke down, or to help with a DIY project.

Neil graduated from Aurora Central High School in
Aurora, Colorado and attended the University of Denver. In Denver, he began his career in
the clothing industry. Denver is where he also met his first love, Cathy, and started a family
with their first child, Jenny. Their son John was born soon afterwards while they lived in St.
Louis, Missouri.

Neil’s life was filled with vast and varied ventures. A natural salesperson, he was recognized as the top national salesperson for Curlee Clothing. After Jenny and John started competitive swimming, Neil jumped into the role of a swim dad, serving as a stroke official, starter, carpool driver—whatever he could do to support and be there for his children. His family called him “Bob Vila” in recognition of his proficiency in all things DIY. He had a huge creative side that was expressed in his work as a studio and wedding photographer in the New Orleans area for many years and in his later years pursuit of oil painting. He also was an avid cyclist, riding in many races, including a century ride, a tour of Ireland with John, and winning medals in the Louisiana Sr. Olympics. Not one to sit still, he joyfully worked at bike stores at Bayou Bikes in New Orleans and Bike World in Houston during his early retirement years.

Neil leaves us with a legacy of being present, by leaning in and giving it our all. He enthusiastically drove his granddaughter to tour universities, excitedly meeting her photography professors. Not a graduation or school sporting event would pass without him wearing the school colors. His Pinewood Derby for a grandchild’s entry was a very serious consideration. College friends fondly recall his epic hospitality when they visited New Orleans. When Cathy and Neil’s children moved to Houston, they followed to be able to spend time with them. After Cathy’s death in 2014, he was blessed to meet Mary Beth and have a happy final 10 years. Her family came to love him as well. There was never a day we doubted his love for us.

Neil is survived by his wife, Mary Beth Lewis Hurd, his son John Hurd (wife Michelle and daughter Taylor) and his daughter Jennifer Rice Cotton (husband Graham Cotton and daughters Annie Rice Garcia and her husband Stephen and Allison Rice) and his wife’s children, Andy and Lora Lewis (daughters Kaitlyn and Emme) and Melanie Lewis (son Christian). He is preceded in death by his loving wife of 51 years, Catherine Liles Hurd, his parents, Wayne and Frances Hurd, and his siblings Dick Hurd, Dale Hurd, and Pam Hurd McAden.

A celebration of life will be held on August 1, 2026, at 11:00AM in Lott Hall at St. Peter’s United Methodist Church (20775 Kingsland Blvd, Katy, Texas 77450). In lieu of flowers, the family requests a consideration of a donation to TIRR Memorial Hermann Foundation at https://memorialhermann.org/foundation/donate.