Mr. Q. Byrum Hurst had two passions – law and politics. He passed the Arkansas bar exam in 1941 and spent his life in politics with the exception of his stint in the U.S. Army from 1943-1945. Q. Byrum Hurst was elected Garland County Judge in 1947 and then elected to the State Senate where he served 22 consecutive years. In 1967, Mr. Hurst was elected President Pro Tempore of the Senate where he also served as Acting Governor of Arkansas during the absence of the sitting Governor.

Q. Byrum Hurst was recognized as one of the most powerful and influential men in Arkansas politics where he earned a reputation for his hard work on behalf of Hot Springs, his hometown.

Q. Byrum Hurst was an active, lifelong member of the First Church of God where he also served as Sunday School Superintendent. He was also a long-time supporter of the Boy Scouts of America and the Optimist International Club.  

My deepest condolences go to his children, Q. Byrum Hurst Jr. of Hot Springs; Lezah Stenger of Springfield, MO; Byretta Fish of Bentonville; to his 17 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren; and to his brother F.L Hurst of Hot Springs and his sister Norma Jean Austin of San Antonio, Texas. Q. Byrum Hurst will be greatly missed in Hot Springs, Garland County and throughout the state of Arkansas.