Michael Lance Hurst, 55, passed away December 19, 2025. Lance was born September 22, 1970 in Provo, Utah to Michael Roy and Toni Jean Vodopich Hurst.  Lance grew up in Castle Dale, Utah and was the oldest of three kids. His siblings have always loved him and he was the best protector and big brother.

Growing up some of his fondest memories were going hunting with his Dad and cousins.  At Emery High School, he was an excellent wrestler and got into trouble more than once for sticking up for the little guy.  He served his country in the United States Air Force for four years.

He had four children, Dallas, McCoy, Maddee and Mollee.

Lance made a career in the various surrounding coal mines of Emery County. He believed that if you did a job, you did it right the first time and you did it to last. Like his father, he was an incredibly hard worker driven to provide for his family which he loved very much.

Later in life, he married Laura Cullum on December 23, 2008 in Cleveland, Utah; their marriage was solemnized in the Manti Temple on July 14, 2012. He credited her and God for many improvements in his life. He loved her dearly and knew what a blessing she was for him.

He has always had a love for the outdoors, ranching, hunting in the open spaces. He called Cedar Mountain, HIS.

Lance had many lifelong friends with which he had many thrill-seeking adventures.  Lance was always around animals and he loved riding his horse and having a good dog by his side. He spent countless hours training both. Over the years he had some of the finest bird and cow dogs around. Very seldom did you see him without one of his dogs.

He had a rough exterior, but if you stayed around him long enough you would see the love in his heart. He always had a soft spot for the elderly, especially the widows. He has many bonus grandmothers. Lance was willing to help anyone, anytime. It was perhaps one of his best qualities.

His hobbies surprised many who didn’t truly know him.  He loved his BYU Cougars!  He also enjoyed playing the game of chess, reading historical literature and carving arrowheads out of rock and making knives. Danny Curtis was a great mentor to Lance in this capacity.

Later in life when he couldn’t get around well, he did genealogical work for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He loved researching and connecting American Veterans to their families. He has a deep conviction of the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ. He truly had a beautiful testimony!!

If he teased you, he loved you! Life wasn’t always easy for him, but he did the best he could. We truly appreciate all who loved and supported him in any way.

Lance is survived by his wife, Laura Hurst, Cleveland; two sons and two daughters, Dallas (Clarissa) Hurst, Castle Dale, McCoy (Lacey) Hurst, Huntington, Mollee (Tray) Williamson, Castle Dale, Maddee (Trevor) Wells, Ephraim, UT; four grandchildren, Dottie, Valey, Brooks and Winona; mother, Toni Hurst, Castle Dale; sister, Heather (Troy) Bettinson, Castle Dale; brother, Frank (Tara) Hurst, Cleveland; in-laws, Earl (Sue) Cullum, Lawrence; brother-in-law and sisters-in-law, Earl J. Cullum, Price, Tricia Cullum, Huntington, Marti (Mikie) Grange, Lawrence; and many loving nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by his father, Mike Hurst; twin nephews, Joshua & Jordan Hurst; beloved niece, Erin Hurst; and his grandparents.

Funeral service for Lance will be Tuesday, December 23, 2025, 12:00 noon at the Cleveland Ward Chapel where the family will receive friends beginning at 10:00 a.m.  Burial with military honors will be in the Cleveland Town Cemetery.  Arrangements entrusted to Mitchell Funeral Home of Huntington and Price where friends are always welcome daily and may share memories of Lance online at www.mitchellfuneralhome.net