Walter W.Thurman
Of Washington, Indiana
Walter W. Thurman, age 94, was cleared for his final takeoff on March 31, 2022, at his home, under the care of his daughter Linda and Good Samaritan Hospice. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. to noon on Thursday, April 7, at Fredrick and Son-Gill Funeral Home, 308 E. Walnut Street, Washington, Indiana, followed immediately by a brief memorial service at noon. Interment, with military honors, will follow at Sugarland Memory Gardens, Route 57, Washington, Indiana.
Walter was born in South Dakota, the son of Perry and Marie (Pope) Thurman. In 1948, Walter married LilaMae Stemper in Mitchell, South Dakota. Walter and Lila made their home in; Mitchell, Sheldon, Iowa and, finally, in Washington, Indiana, for over 40 years. He was employed by Armour & Co. for 39 years, and later at Purdue Industries.
Walt was a private pilot for over 60 years; member of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA); the Mid-America Ultralight Club of Washington, Indiana; and the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA). He was a motorcycle enthusiast for most of his life, most recently seen riding his bright yellow Can-Am Spyder.
Walt was in the U.S. Army Air Corps at the end of World War II, serving overseas in occupied Japan. He was a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW); the American Legion; the NRA; a member of the Washington Conservation Club; and of the Gold Wing Road Riders Association (GWRRA), Indiana Chapter M.
Survivors include; two daughters, Karen of Nebraska and Linda of Illinois, also surviving are six grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren.
Walt was preceded in death by; his wife Lila, brother Wallace, and daughter Mary.
At his request, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to; VFW Post 3321, 3 E. Main Street, Washington, Indiana; American Legion Post 121, 501 E. Main Street, Washington, Indiana 47501; or Good Samaritan Hospice, 520 S. Seventh Street, Vincennes, IN 47591.
Fredrick and Son-Gill Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with the arrangements of Mr. Thurman, you may leave the family online condolences at www.gillsince1872.com.
