Donald Lee Thurman, 88 of Abingdon, passed away suddenly at 1:45 a.m. Monday. May 3, 2021, at the OSF St. Mary Medical Center Emergency Room in Galesburg.
He was born March 22, 1933, in Warren County, the son of Everett Leon and Ethel Irene (Schisler) Thurman. He married Francis Brock on August 12, 1955, at the Abingdon United Methodist Church.
Don is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Francis; two daughters, Lucinda (Kevin) Johnson of Abingdon and Roberta Thurman of Abingdon; four grandchildren, Donald Garrett, Everett Garrett, Travis (Samantha) Norville, and Chrissie (Eric) Spitzig; four great-grandchildren, Brendin Spitzig, Hunter Spitzig, Max Norville and Parker Norville; and one brother, LaVerne Thurman of Abingdon.
He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Paul and Lawrence, and one sister, Lucille Robinson.
Don attended Abingdon schools and later joined the U.S. Air Force and served from 1952 to 1956 in the Korean War. He lived in Abingdon all of his life. He worked for Admiral/Maytag for 35 years, retiring in 1995. He later worked as a bus driver for the Abingdon School District #217 for 17 years. He was of the Methodist faith. His hobbies included attending the Indy 500 for several years with his nephew Stan West, watching sporting events and he loved taking care of his yard. Most of all, he enjoyed his family.
Graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, May 7, 2021, at the Abingdon Cemetery. There will be no visitation. Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services Abingdon Chapel is in charge of arrangements.
Memorials may be made to the Knox County Humane Society in the care of Francis Thurman, 506 N. Austin, Abingdon, IL 61410. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.
