John Thurman

John Avery “Jack” Thurman, age 85 of Beardstown, died Wednesday, August 12, 2015 at Countryview Care Center in Macomb.

He was born July 17, 1930 in Beardstown, the son of Elmer and Florence Lindsey Thurman. He married Donna Belville Simpson on October 15, 1994 at First Baptist Church in Beardstown.

He is survived by his wife Donna Thurman of Beardstown; his children John (wife Jessica) Thurman of Beardstown, Larry (wife Susan) Simpson of Chapin, Robert (wife Karen) Simpson of Beardstown, Randall (wife Susan) Simpson of Beardstown, Matt Thurman of Beardstown, Penny Thurman of Beardstown, Teresa Sloop of Fairbanks, CA, Vicki (husband Troy) Campbell of Jacksonville, numerous grand and great grandchildren; one brother Harry (wife Joan) Thurman of Beardstown; and one sister Christine Krohe of Carthage.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his son Ronald Simpson, five brothers James, William, Bobby, Stanley, and Amel Thurman, and four sisters Suzie Clements, Deloras Workman, Katherine Rohn, and Rosie Price.

Jack atteneded Beardstown High School. He served in the United States Army, and drove tanks during the Korean Conflict. He worked for the Ohio River Company for 47 years and retired in 1991 as a First Mate. Jack loved candy; so much that he became known as the “candy man”. The neighborhood children always knew he would have something for them. Jack enjoyed being outdoors fishing, turtle hunting, and camping or you could find him playing cards or going to Bingo with his wife.

Funeral services will be held at 11 AM Saturday, August 15, 2015 at Colwell Memorial Home in Beardstown. The family will meet with friends from 9 AM until the time of services at the memorial home. Burial will be in the Beardstown City Cemetery.

Memorials have been suggested to Guthrie-Pierce VFW Post #1239.

Condolences may be left online at www.colwellmemorialhome.com of on Facebook at Colwell Memorial Home.
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