Johnny A. Hurd

Johnny Albert Hurd was born on November 28, 1956, in St. Louis, MO to Lucille Hurd and Carl Hurd. Preceding him in death were his parents and seven siblings: Anthony, Theodore, Penny, George, Carlos, Eve, and Gale. Gale, Johnny’s favorite sibling, passed away just 6 weeks before him. Their profound connection made this timing more than mere coincidence.

Johnny received his education in the St. Louis Public Schools. After some time, he moved to Kansas City which has been his home for the past 32 years. Johnny was currently working at KC Water Contractor, SE3 Group, where he naturally took on the role of mentor and a voice of reason to younger staff. He was also known to bring laughter after some challenging days of work.

In Kansas City, Johnny earned the nickname “2 Stepping Johnny”. Alongside his beautiful wife, Leona, whom he had been with for 13 years, married for six, he would mesmerize the crowd on the dance floor. Johnny’s signature 2-step moves, spins, slides, glides, leans, and even his flair for pole dancing, along with his graceful gestures of placing Leona on chairs, were captivating and filled with love. Throughout their dancing, Johnny wore a smile on his face that lit up the room.

Johnny possessed a remarkable gift for articulation, accompanied by a wealth of knowledge. He was renowned for his frequent appearances at speaking engagements, where he generously shared his insights and wisdom, whether you wanted to hear it or not.

Johnny was all about looking good. You’d never catch him without a hat to match his suit. His closet was packed with stylish suits and slick dress shoes, showing off his style and attention to detail.

Johnny joined the Moorish Science Temple of America over 40 years ago by proclaiming his nationality and was known from that day forward as Johnny Hurd El.

Johnny departed this life on Saturday, April 27, 2024. He leaves to cherish his memories his beloved wife, Leona Hurd; his seven sons: Malik, Saalik, Micheal, Johnny, Jakobi, Jayden, and J’hova; and five bonus children: Byron Jr, Deon’ta, D’Angelo, O’Shae, and Destiny. Also mourning his loss are his two brothers: Arthur (Lori) Clark and Charles (Tammy) Hurd; three sisters: Jackie Jones, Carolyn Clark, and Angeline Hurd; six grandchildren: Omari, Talik, Jamir, Micheal Jr, Ariyella, and Sa’niciya; along with two bonus grandchildren: Byron and Kylani. Additionally, he is survived by two aunts: Evelyn Harden and Barbara Cook; two uncles: Gary (Jacquelyn) Cook and Keith (Lynne) Clay; his mother-in-law, Charlene Davis; brother-in-law Julius Lloyd; two special nieces: Regina (Dion) Davis and Erica “Baby” Hurd; one special nephew, Julian Conner and two friends, whom were more like brothers Rickey “Black’ Kirtley and Tony Keith He also leaves behind a host of other nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.