George Estill Thurman of Fayette died Tuesday (Dec. 1, 2009) at his daughter’s home. He was 89.

Born March 18, 1920, in Fayette, he was the son of Noah D. and Essie C. Estill Thurman. He married Martha Rose Blessing on April 12, 1946, and she preceded him in death.

Mr. Thurman served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He worked from Laborers Local 955 for many years. After retiring, he helped others with lawn care. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He enjoyed garage sales, auctions, fishing and animals. His family remembers him as a wonderful man who enjoyed life and helping children.

Survivors include his children, George Andrew Thurman and wife, Barbara of Blackwater; William (Bill) Thurman and wife, Tonyia of Blue Springs; Robert Edwin Thurman and wife, Tammy of Columbia; Juanita Bernice Poland and husband, Gary; and Martha McCloud and husband, Nick, all of Fayette. Other survivors include a sister, Corine Wilkerson of Boonville, 12 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.

In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Archie and William Thurman, and a sister, Juanita Schaff.

Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Saturday at Carr-Yager Funeral Home. Visitation will be an hour prior to the service. Burial with full military honors will follow at Boonesboro Cemetery.

Casketbearers will be George Thurman III, Marvin Thurman, Michael Barnhart, George (Ray) Thomas, Roylee Poland, Cloyd Bias. Honorary casketbearers will be Wallace (Butch) Calvert, Grover Dismound, Ray Lynn Wells and Larry Thurman.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Boonesboro Cemetery in care of Carr-Yager Funeral Home, P.O. Box 210, Fayette, MO 65248.