David J. Thurman, 83, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2023.
David was born December 18, 1939, in Evansville, Ind. to Lewis “Louis” and Thelma (Biddle) Thurman. He was a sweet, good kid who grew into a strong and strict man. He had a quick wit about him that helped him, and those around him, get through the harder times.
At only 13, David met and fell head over heels for the forever love of his life: flaming-haired Linda Louise, or “Red,” as David liked to call her. When another boy dared to give Linda an engagement ring before David could properly propose, he slipped the offending bauble right off Linda’s finger and chucked it into a field where it likely lays to this day. Once David did propose, they barely looked back, marrying in 1957, and recently celebrating 66 years together.
Through their union and fertile genetics, they expanded the Thurman family into six children, 14 grandchildren, and 17 great grandchildren, so far.
At just 17, David joined the United States Air Force, and proudly served his nation for 22 years as an aircraft electrician where his love of airplanes was born. He was a Vietnam War Veteran. He retired in 1979 as a Master Sergeant. David and Linda were somehow able to raise their children all over the world—from Indiana to Okinawa and back again—on a junior enlisted serviceman’s pay. David always provided for his family, and he was very proud and happy to do so.
The list of things David loved is long and varied. In addition to his family, David loved his little dog, Patsy, named after one of his favorite singers, Patsy Cline. Carrie Underwood was another of his favorites. He also enjoyed watching the original Star Trek and old shoot ‘em ups like Gunsmoke, and Wagon Train. Anyone who stopped by the house would inevitably get wrapped up watching whatever Western he could find on the television. If the movie had John Wayne or Clint Eastwood in it, count David in.
A big kid at heart, David also loved to collect things like the California Raisins and M&M figurines, Miami Dolphins memorabilia, and hordes of chocolate, chocolate, chocolate. M&Ms were a consistent staple. He was also a jokester who found it hilarious to collect a bit of his children’s and grandchildren’s flesh from the backside of their arms if they didn’t move away from his pinching fingers fast enough. He enjoyed tending to his beautiful yard, often carefully and creatively painting a new yard decoration, or rearranging his concrete animals or Disney statues of Snow White and the Seven Dwarves.
David is survived by his wife, Linda, and his children, Tami Morell, Becky Rueger, Doug (Sue) Thurman, Debbie (Seyed) Shokouhzadeh, and Nancy Clemens. He will also be greatly missed by his 14 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Sharon Loy; his son, Tony Thurman; his granddaughter, Erica Hollin; and his great grandson, Keagan Oliver.
David’s dedication to his family, his proud service to his nation, his wicked sense of humor, and his onery spirit will live forever in the warm memories of his loved ones.
Memorial Contributions may be made in honor of "Dave" Thurman to the Alzheimer's Association, 8430 Bryn Mawr Ave. Suite 800, Chicago, IL 60631.
A private graveside service with Military Honors was held at Alexander Memorial Park.
Condolences may be offered at www.AlexanderWestChapel.com
