Hurbert Earl Guliford Jr

Hurbert Earl Guliford Jr, affectionately known to all as Hurbie was born to the union of Hurbert Earl Guliford Sr. and Willa Mae Lewis Guliford on June 9th, 1963 and gained his wings on March 19, 2025. Hurbie was born in Chicago, Illinois where he spent the first five years of his life before the family relocated to Osawatomie. Hurbie attended school in Osawatomie where he created life long friendships and bonds that lasted the remainder of his life. If there was a sport that involved a ball, Hurbie played and excelled in it all. His speed was unmatched on the basketball court. After graduating high school with the class labeled “The Animals” in 1981 he attended college in Fort Scott and Emporia State before returning back to Osawatomie where he spent his life working as a caretaker in some form or another. He worked as a CMA at Country Club Estates in Paola, at Life Care Center of Osawatomie as a CNA and CMA, spent many years working as a home health aide for several individuals in both Paola and Osawatomie. Hurbie also spent several years working at Tri-Ko and as a custodial worker at the High School in Osawatomie.

In 1984, Hurbie met the love of his life, Katherine Smith. After dating for two years, they married May 31, 1986. To this union three children were born; Maximus, Cameron and Natalie. Together for 42 years and married for 39, Hurb and Kathy have been a true example of unconditional love proving their vows to be true “For better or worse. Through sickness and health. Until death do us part”

Hurbie knew no stranger. He had great compassion for people, especially children. He helped coach his grandson Armani’s soccer, baseball, and basketball teams. He loved attending every sporting event and cheering on his beloved Trojans. He also was a great side chair fan of the KC Chiefs, Royals and KU Jayhawks. He also loved attending KC Monarch baseball games with his family.

Hurbie was blessed with so many great friends that he went to school with from grades K-12 including Ben and John Wendt, Kevin Colbert, Wendell Winton, The Brady Family, the Madden Family, Mike Medina, Mike Berry, Roy West, Eddie Clearwater and so many more.

His greatest pride and joy was his children and grandchildren. He enjoyed being Watch Dog at their school. He loved to attend their school events and sports activities. He also loved to take pictures with them and share stories about his life.

Hurbie was born into a large family that he loved so much, getting together with them for Family Day and cookouts were some of his fondest memories.

Hurbie’s faith was so important to him and he loved to talk about the Lord and share with others how good God had been to him. He was a member of Ebenezer Baptist Church of Osawatomie where he was preparing to be a deacon.

Hurb was proceeded in death by his Father and step mother Earl Guliford Sr and Mary Ellen Guliford, his loving mother Willa Mae Guliford, sisters Angela and Lillian Walker, Marilyn Berry, his son Cameron Guliford, daughter Chelsea Little and grandson Riley Guliford.

Hurbie is survived by his wife of 42 years Kathy Guliford of Osawatomie, children Maximus Guliford of Kansas City, MO, Natalie Guliford of Osawatomie. Grandchildren Armani Johnson, Amaris Wilson and Erin Williams. Sisters Wanda (Terry) Freeman, KCMO, Cynthia Walker KCMO, Hope (Tim) Thurman KCMO, brothers Louis (Manuel) Walker of Florida, Wesley Harris of KCMO, Floyd (Jessica) Guliford of Shawnee, KS, Earl Guliford III of Leavenworth, KS. A host of nieces, nephews so many cousins all of whom were like brothers and sisters to him.

The family would like to express their deepest gratitude for all of the kind words, condolences, cards, food, and all acts of love you have extended during this incredibly difficult time. We would also like to acknowledge the ladies at the Divita Dialysis clinic who showed so much love and compassion to Hurbie three days a week over the last 5 years. A special thank you Hurbie’s nephew Louis Walker for being a personal chauffeur, Carla Mansaw for being his own personal care attendant and everyone else who showed special love and attention.

Family requests you to wear your Kansas City Chiefs gear to the visitation and service.

Memorials are to the Osawatomie Recreation and may be sent c/o Eddy-Birchard Funeral Home P.O. Box 430 Osawatomie, KS 66064.