Charles Tom “Cactus” Hirst, 88, of Russell, died August 28, 2022, at Good Samaritan Society, Hutchinson. He was born July 28, 1934, in Hutchinson, to Bert and Juanita (Buckhannan) Hirst.
Tom graduated from Partridge High School in 1952. He worked in the telephone industry most of his life: 31 years as a technician for Western Electric, which later became Southwestern Bell, and 15 years as a sub-contractor. Tom loved to head to the woods for shooting rifles, fishing, and camping. He enjoyed using his ham and CB radios and watching NASCAR races. In 1972, Tom began attending AA and did so faithfully for nearly 50 years, allowing him to form many great friendships.
On October 22, 1969, he married Joan Ruth Davis. They shared 42 years before her passing on February 15, 2015.
Tom is survived by: sons, Theodore “Ted” Hirst, Hays, William “Bill” Hirst, Hutchinson, Ronald “Ron” Hirst (Tracy), Ark City; step-daughter, Marsha Harrington, Seattle, Washington; ten grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by: his parents, Bert and Nita Hirst; wife, Joan Hirst; and brothers, Bill, Eugene, and James Hirst.
Memorial service will be 10:30 am Saturday, September 3, 2022, at Elliott Mortuary. A private burial will take place in Partridge Cemetery. Friends may sign the book from 9 am to 5 pm Thursday and Friday at Elliott Mortuary.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Charles Tom Hirst Memorial Fund, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.