1934-2025
Jack went to be with the Lord on February 4th, 2025.
Walter Jackson Thurman Jr. was born in Lakeview, GA. March 28th, 1934 to Velda (Harris) and Walter Thurman Sr.
Jack grew up and went to school in Chattanooga, TN. Area before moving to Winfield in 1952 finishing his senior year at Winfield High School. After graduating he worked for the Santa Fe Railroad until going in the U.S. Army in April, 1954.
Jack married Phyllis Biddle June 20th, 1954 at the First Baptist Church in Winfield, KS. He was employed with Beech Aircraft for 45 years, retiring in June 2001.
He was a member of Central Baptist Church in Winfield. He spent many hours as one of the “Grand Pa Crew” helping build the new sanctuary of Central Baptist Church. He served as Trustee on the Property and Space Committee. He served as a leader of a Boy Scout Troop for several years. He was a Member of the Cowley County Amateur Radio Club and National Cushman Club.
He enjoyed working on cars, trucks, motorcycles, anything with wheels, going to car shows, hunting, and riding his motorcycle & scooter. He always enjoyed spending time with his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, & great-great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers: Bill, Clyde, Paul, and Teddy, Two sisters: Mary Jones and Nelda Thurman, Son-in-law: Dave Willis, and Grandson: Derek Day.
Survivors include his Wife Phyllis, Daughters: Teresa Thurman-Zuck & Husband Greg, Hill City, SD., Susan Willis, Sioux Falls, SD. Son: Walter C “W.C.” Thurman & Wife Pamela, Arkansas City, Ks. Grandchildren: Jamie Kerr & Wife Stephanie, Pierre, SD., Charity Day, Rapid City, SD. Valerie Willis, Sioux Falls, SD., Mallorie Hodges & Husband Matthew, Arkansas City, Ks., Cody Thurman & Wife Bennett, Udall, KS., and Molly Day, Park City, KS. Great Grandchildren: Taylor Kerr & girlfriend Ciera Paige, Albany, MO., Dylan Kerr, Pierre, SD., Quinton Day & Patrick Day, Park City, KS Ryder Willis & Madyson Willis, Sioux Falls, SD. Conrad Red Willow, Rapid City, SD. & Curtis Wayne Thurman, Udall, KS. Great-Great Grandchildren: Aliyah Kerr & Aiden Kerr, Albany, Mo. Brothers: Ed, Marvin, Harry, and Jimmy Thurman. Sisters: Eva Harvey and Wanda Rapier, and many Nieces & Nephews.
Funeral services will be held at 10 A.M. Monday, February 10, 2025 at Central Baptist Church. Visitation will be held at the church from 9-10 A.M. prior to services. Burial will follow at Highland Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Cowley County Humane Society, donations may be left in the care of the Shelley Family Funeral Home of Winfield.
