I graduated 1999. I know this is late, but I just learned of Mr Hurts passing. He was the most influential teacher I ever had. Truly an inspiration. He was a special person. He made me want to be better. And I was, for having known him.

Foremost, my warm hearted thoughts extend to the universe. Mr Hurt was a huge inspiration for so many. I am researching those who influenced my life as a young artist and didn’t know Mr. Hurt passed on until now. Mr. Hurt was a major inspiration and coach in my life. He was constantly working in his Zone of Genius and I thank him for always seeing the best version of myself. 30 years after graduating from BD I think of Mr. Hurts enthusiasm and support for those who struggled with their shadow whispering “you can’t do it”. See you again Mr. Hurt.

My heart goes out to the family of Mr.Hurt.I know his passing has left an empty spot in everyone heart. I will keep you all in my prayers.

Mr. Hurt, I just heard about your passing today. It pains me to know that such a great man has been taken from this earth. As I sit here tonight reflecting on just how big of an impact you have had on my life I am shocked. You were the first to teach me that I can be who I want to be, despite anyone else. It will just take some hard work and dedication. I am so saddened to hear about your passing. I can not help but ask god why? You touched so many lives, influenced so many in such a positive way. Why were you taken from us, and all the people who needed to know you, students and adults alike. God does everything for a reason, although I can not see why you are gone. I know you are in heaven painting, and singing with the angels. You will always be remembered. I will do my best to impart your wisdom and philosophy to my children. Thank You so much Mr. Hurt!

I met Larry when he was at the Indiana Department of Education. I always looked forward to our conversations and learned so much from him. I am truly shocked to hear of his death. Tom, my deepest sympathies. I am thinking of you.

Larry made his life count through his contributions to others. A "light" that will be remembered. Sincere condolences, Diane Coiro VSA Teaching Artist

What a tragic loss. I am so sorry. I received a card after my sister died at 51 that read: "After awhile we begin to remember not that they died, but that they lived." We never get over that loss. We merely learn to live with it. My prayers are with you.

I sang in the choir almost 30 years ago and it was my privilege to be a part of Larry's choir. We used to cut up from time to time and I remember one of us making a play on words on one of the hymns. "I has not seen and I has not heard what God has ready for those who love him" Spirit of love come give us the mind of Jesus. Teach us the wisdom of God! Larry got all of this! Both the funny part and the profound part.

One of my favorite things to do when I worked at Ben Davis was to observe Larry teaching. Every day was special in his classes, and the engagement of his students was inspiring to all of us. The leadership he provided to the school and the Wayne Township community was a special gift. I offer my condolences to Tom, Mark White, and his family. I have a grandson who is seriously ill and in Riley Hospital. I am sorry I could not be with you all today. Lynn Wheeler

My husband, David, and I we were not able to get through the line at yesterday’s calling. That’s probably just as well, because I wouldn’t have time to say everything I wanted to share. I originally knew Larry as the force behind the Arts Alive festivals and a perpetual Seniors Choice honoree. I got to know him better when we served on the MSD of Wayne Township strategic planning committee. Of course, he was the “art guy.” He had a tremendous talent for creating visual images on paper. But then I learned he was a “music guy.” When the group crafted its plan, I realized he was a good writer who cared about putting just the right words on paper. And yet he also could also understand management and put together a good organizational chart. Even better, he was an outstanding people person. About then I realized I had seldom seen so many different talents in one human being. I was delighted to see him become Teacher of the Year and a Disney educator. He always spoke eloquently of behalf of kids who may never be top scorers on achievement tests, yet they find their true passion and fulfillment through the arts. He was a constant, loving advocate for a well rounded education and not measuring kids by achievement tests alone. We will never know how wide his influence spread. The number of people who showed up to pay their respects spoke volumes. He was a sweet, gentle soul. We will miss him.

To the Family of Larry Hurt... I'm sorry more than I can describe about your loss of Larry. I have known him ever since I became a choir director at neighboring St. Gabriel Church. Our choirs once gave a Christmas concert at his invitation. I have often substituted at St.Chris and he has several times come to our church to instruct and help me with my new choir members. I have tresured him as a friend, and any time I have been at St Chris when he was playing, I have moved down to see him, giving him a hug, and visiting a bit.I know what a wonderful, talented and caring man he was. My husband has had very serious bladder surgery a week ago, and the last time we saw Larry he had said that he would pray for Bill. This is the reason that I can't be with you, because he was dismissed from the hospital today. Please know that we are praying that God will hold you in His arms during these sad times, and may He Bless you with His Perfect Peace. My heart will be with you all, tomorrow. Sincerely, Lydia and Bill Ritter

Tom, I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers!

Larry touched many lives through his kind heart and talent.My sympathy and blessings to his close friends and family left behind. He made a difference, Cindy

Tom-you are in our thoughts and prayers. A light shines in the Grotto for you and Larry both. Love, Doug and Anna

I was fortunate to have Larry in my statistics class last fall. He was a good student and a great person. He will be missed.

I feel great sadness in the loss of Larry. I feel sadness for everyone that knew him, but I especially feel for his family. Larry was a bright light, a great teacher, and a good friend. I will miss him very much.

I got to know Larry when we both attended a workshop together many years ago. He shared a paper with his colleagues at that time -entitled "Thoughts on being a Positive Teacher". I still have a copy of that paper - - and read it whenever I need inspiration in this crazy field of education. I believe that Larry's insights have helped to make me a better teacher - and my students better learners. His positive influence is felt over the years and over the miles. My prayers go out to all who loved him.

What a good friend and incredible human being. Larry embraced life and elevated the thinking of all those around him - his words of wisdom and kindness will always be with us. My thoughts are with you Tom and with Larry’s family.

On behalf of the entire St. Gabriel Community our sincere condolence to Larry's Partner, his family and the St. Christopher community. We will remember him in our community prayer.

Our deepest sympathies to Tom and to Larry's parents and family. We knew Larry and counted him a close friend for more than thirty years. We met at St. Meinrad in the summer program so long ago and cherished our frequent get togethers at St. Meinrad through the decades. Larry was a wonderful faith-filled man, a gifted artist and teacher, a lifelong supporter of St. Meinrad, but most of all for us, a dear, dear friend. Larry, we love you and will never forget you. Frank and Mary Olmsted

The world is a poorer place because one who loved the Absolute Beauty whose creation is a mere reflection has passed from among us. I shall always remember Larry's laugh, his wit, his creativity and his kindness. While we had lost touch over the years, it did not surprise me to see him become the educator and inspirer of minds that he did. He now knows the fullness of beauty -- Eternal memory and a blessed respose!

My heart and mind go out to Tom and all of Larry's family. Larry will live on in the students, colleagues, and friends whose lives he touched in such positive ways. He remains an inspiration for me. Joy

We have been so touched to have Larry as our friend and teacher to our youth. Larry and Tom's partnership has been an inspiration. You are in our hearts. Kathleen Sweeney and Bettye Dobkins

A note to express my heartfelt sympathy to Tom and to Larry's family. I am so saddened but celebrate his life so well lived. Larry was the best and the brightest of all of us at Ben Davis HS. He was dearly loved and will be long remembered so very fondly. Sincerely, Pris Dillow Former BD Colleague

Know that you are in my prayers and thoughts as you suffer the loss of Larry. I will always remember with fondness the times I played for the choir at St. Chris under the direction of Larry and the time we went to the NPM convention in Detroit in '81.

Larry was a terrific and loyal friend. Our community is diminished substantially by this loss. The Indianapolis Symphonic Choir will always remember his gracious generosity when we had the good fortune to sing at Saint Christopher's.

Larry was a remarkable person in every way and will be greatly missed. I recall how much I enjoyed being on the DK Board with him and the great contributions he always made. My thoughts go to Tom and the rest of Larry's family. Tom and Larry always were great role models for me. --Wayne

Our condolence to all friends of Mr. Larry Hurt.

It was a great pleasure to have Larry affiliated with our School of Education at IUPUI. He participated as a long serving member of our Council on Teacher Education committee, offering his experience and expertise, as well as his vibrant self. I appreciate his positive outlook, energy, and commitment to public education. He touched so many lives throughout his incredible career. Pat Rogan Executive Associate Dean IU School of Education at IUPUI

Mr. Hurt was the best teacher I had, by a whole lot. His encouragement and patience was so apparent and I'm guessing there are more kids (and now adults) like me who feel just the same. Thank you to his family for sharing him with us.

My heart goes out to dear Tom and the rest of Larry's family, as well as the countless people he inspired. What a rare person! What a zest for life! I am grateful for the chances I had to work and play with Larry Hurt.

We have lost a very good man. Larry's love of young people, art, music and life touched us all and made Indianapolis a better place. Here's to Larry...may we always remember.

I remember your encouraging words in reguards to my artistic talent or lack thereof. I learned so much from you. I was so hoping that my son who shows great interest and talent in drawing would benefit from your expertise.It is not to be! I pray for peace and comfort for your family and friends! You are missed already!

I had the privledge of working with Larry when he was a student teacher and then an aide at South Wayne Jr. High in the early 70's. What a great guy....outgoing, kind, generous, fun to be around! I pray that his family have the peace of God in their loss. We shall all miss him....Linda Dudine

You were an amazing teacher, fostering a love of all things art in so many. Thank you for encouraging me to pursue my dreams. You and your loved ones are in our thoughts and prayers. Julie Otte-Rash BDHS Class of 1997