Billy Gordon Thurman
October 5, 1929 ~ March 20, 2018 (age 88) 88 Years Old
Tribute
Billy (Bill) Gordon Thurman, 88, of Norman passed away Tuesday, March 20, 2018. He was born October 5, 1929 in Claremore, OK to William and Ollie Ellen (Horner)Thurman.
Bill grew up on a farm in Claremore, OK. He worked daily with his mother, father, Clyde (his brother) and Zella Mae (his sister) throughout their grade, middle and High School days. Bill attended the University of Oklahoma. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Arts from OU in January of 1956. His dream was to become a High School Shop Teacher.
He met Betty Jo Nixon from Blanchard, Oklahoma, in November of 1949 and got married on July 15, 1950. Bill and Betty made their home in Norman, with brief moves to Colorado and California.
Bill was drafted into the United States Army in January of 1952. He served in the Korean war. Bill was stationed in Opicina, Italy about 30 miles north of Trieste, Italy. He was responsible for the ‘parts house’ for the Military vehicles in the region.
Bill was a master Tool and Die maker (Machinist). He began his professional career with the Linde Company and retired with Chromalloy Corporation of Midwest City. Bill Retired in 1995 to enjoy Betty, his family and his hobbies.
Bill was blessed with a wide variety of hobbies and interests; fishing, hunting, hiking and exploring, travel, working with exotic woods, leathercraft, sports (of course) and spending as much time as possible with Betty, Randy and his grandchildren. He was an active member and elected official of the Woodmen of the World Insurance Company. First Baptist Church of Norman was his ‘church home’ assisting in a number of service positions with the FBC Senior citizens.
Bill will be especially remembered by his soft spirit and demeanor, his willingness to ‘step up’ when asked to serve, his love for table games with his Senior friends and his love for laughter at himself and the frailties of mankind.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Betty; and Randy’s brother, Gordon Lee. Billy is survived by his son, Randall (Randy)Thurman and his Granddaughters Adriana Michelle Thurman and Micaela Danielle Thurman.
Visitation will be from 2:00 pm – 8:00 pm, Sunday, March 25, 2018 at Havenbrook Funeral Home. Funeral Services will begin at 2:00 pm, Monday, March 26, 2018 at First Baptist Church of Norman 211 W. Comanche with interment following at Resthaven Memory Gardens in Oklahoma City.
Memorials may be made in memory of Bill to the First Baptist Church, Norman, Oklahoma ~~ Senior Citizen Ministry or your Charity of choice.
Arrangements for Bill and his family were placed in the care of Havenbrook Funeral Home of Norman. Online condolences may be shared at www.HavenbrookFuneralHome.com.
Bill grew up on a farm in Claremore, OK. He worked daily with his mother, father, Clyde (his brother) and Zella Mae (his sister) throughout their grade, middle and High School days. Bill attended the University of Oklahoma. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Arts from OU in January of 1956. His dream was to become a High School Shop Teacher.
He met Betty Jo Nixon from Blanchard, Oklahoma, in November of 1949 and got married on July 15, 1950. Bill and Betty made their home in Norman, with brief moves to Colorado and California.
Bill was drafted into the United States Army in January of 1952. He served in the Korean war. Bill was stationed in Opicina, Italy about 30 miles north of Trieste, Italy. He was responsible for the ‘parts house’ for the Military vehicles in the region.
Bill was a master Tool and Die maker (Machinist). He began his professional career with the Linde Company and retired with Chromalloy Corporation of Midwest City. Bill Retired in 1995 to enjoy Betty, his family and his hobbies.
Bill was blessed with a wide variety of hobbies and interests; fishing, hunting, hiking and exploring, travel, working with exotic woods, leathercraft, sports (of course) and spending as much time as possible with Betty, Randy and his grandchildren. He was an active member and elected official of the Woodmen of the World Insurance Company. First Baptist Church of Norman was his ‘church home’ assisting in a number of service positions with the FBC Senior citizens.
Bill will be especially remembered by his soft spirit and demeanor, his willingness to ‘step up’ when asked to serve, his love for table games with his Senior friends and his love for laughter at himself and the frailties of mankind.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Betty; and Randy’s brother, Gordon Lee. Billy is survived by his son, Randall (Randy)Thurman and his Granddaughters Adriana Michelle Thurman and Micaela Danielle Thurman.
Visitation will be from 2:00 pm – 8:00 pm, Sunday, March 25, 2018 at Havenbrook Funeral Home. Funeral Services will begin at 2:00 pm, Monday, March 26, 2018 at First Baptist Church of Norman 211 W. Comanche with interment following at Resthaven Memory Gardens in Oklahoma City.
Memorials may be made in memory of Bill to the First Baptist Church, Norman, Oklahoma ~~ Senior Citizen Ministry or your Charity of choice.
Arrangements for Bill and his family were placed in the care of Havenbrook Funeral Home of Norman. Online condolences may be shared at www.HavenbrookFuneralHome.com.
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