Joe Lynn Thurman, of Marionville, son of Joel and Audrey (Teague) Thurman, was born February 21, 1932, in Leann and departed this life August 18, 2010, in his home, at the age of 78.
Joe had lived in the area the past 51 years, coming from St. Louis. He married Lorina Kathern Martin, and to this union two children were born.
Joe was a veteran of the Korean War, having served in the U.S. Marine Corps as an ambulance driver. He was a member of the Marine Corp League, Detachment #993, in Springfield, and a member of VFW Post #4207 in Monett.
Joe worked in law enforcement in St. Louis and Lawrence County. He was a truck driver for various companies being forced to retire due to health problems in 1975. Joe loved playing music with children and grandchildren and also enjoyed listening to old time bluegrass music when he was no longer able to play. He was a member of Bible Baptist Church in Crane.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents and brother, John T. Thurman.
Survivors include: his wife, Kathern Thurman of the home; one daughter, Terry L. Woodruff and spouse, James, of Wheelerville; one son, David S. Thurman and spouse, Mary, of Wheelerville; one brother, James H. Thurman of Lyndon, Kansas; five grandchildren, Amanda, Amos, Aaron, Andrew and Sarah; eight great-grandchildren; a very special family friend, Luetta Burton; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, August 21, at Bible Baptist Church in Crane, with Tim Lee and Harvey Goodman officiating. Burial, with military honors, will be in Leann Cemetery at Leann, under the direction of Manlove-Stumpff Funeral Home of Crane.
Visitation will be from 6 to 7 p.m., Friday, at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested memorial contributions to The American Cancer Society.
