John Richard Hurlbut, 67, of Ocala, Florida, passed peacefully to his heavenly home on December 8, 2025 while in the care of E.W. & Lucille Cate's Hospice House.

Originally from Adrian, Michigan, John was born on July 10, 1958 and was the son of Richard F. and Mary E. (Patsy) Hurlbut. John attended Nazareth Hall Military School for a year and later received his GED from Adrian High School. He completed military basic training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina in 1984, but was unable to serve.

In 1988 John moved to Ocala, Florida where he held various jobs from nursing home aide to taxi driver. But with a love for reptiles, he had his own reptile "removal and relocation" business (mostly snakes) that kept him very busy and provided for educational opportunities as well. His shining moment was in 2007 at Contemporary Christian Academy with a 10 foot Burmese Python which appeared in Ocala's Star Banner. It is no wonder that his nickname, "Snake", stuck with him.

In 1989 John married Vicky Brookshire, but the couple divorced a few years later and remained friends. And because he had a beautiful singing voice, he was a regular on the Karaoke circuit. John was a great story teller–especially good at embellishing. He always had a captive audience and was adored by those who knew him. Wherever he went, he was sure to be known.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Richard Hurlbut and Patsy Hurlbut Graham and former wife, Vicky Brookshire. He is survived by his sister, Nancy (Sam) Cunningham of Cincinnati, Ohio, nieces Emily (Michael) Shiverski of Cincinnati and Amy (Marty) Homan of Clayton, North Carolina and 6 grand nieces and nephews.

The family is forever grateful for the friendship, watch-care and help of mobile home park manager, Darcy Morey and friends Brian and Melissa whose aid has been invaluable.

An internment will be held at a later date in Adrian Michigan at Lenawee Hills Cemetery. Contributions in John's name can be made to the Lenawee Humane Society.