Charles A. Thurman

Elder Charles A. Thurman, 88, died Saturday evening, February 17, 2018, at Fayette Regional Health System. Charles was a Connersville native, born December 22, 1929, to James and Sarah Alice Mize Thurman. He attended Connersville High School and had completed trade school classes. From 1946 to 1949, Charles served as a private in the U.S. Army Air Force based in Germany, the Philippines and Hawaii. Following his honorable military discharge, he was married on May 27, 1951 to the former Marguerite Williams who died June 19, 2015. Charles was a Ruling Elder of the Early Church of God in Christ denomination and was the pastor of the former Phillipi Early Church of God in Christ in Connersville. He had been self-employed as a concrete contractor and retired as a machinist from Roots Blower and its successors. Charles loved people and was constantly giving back to his community. Charles is survived by his daughter: Andrea A. Thurman-Scott of Connersville; his son: Cory L. Thurman of Savannah, Georgia; four grandchildren: Douglas C. Turner of Little Rock, Arkansas; Daveon, Israel and Mylez Thurman, all of Connersville; several nieces, nephews and cousins. In addition to his parents and his wife of 64 years, Charles was preceded in death by his daughter: Gloria Lynn Thurman, who died December 29, 2015; his siblings: James and Perry Thurman, Lettie Rhinehart, Mabel Faulks and Jean Ware. A Homegoing service for Elder Thurman will be conducted at 11:30 a.m. Monday, February 26, 2018 at Mt. Zion Baptist Church, 1501 Indiana Avenue, Connersville, with Elder Richard Jackson and Pastor Joyce Raglin officiating. Interment will follow in Dale Cemetery with military graveside services conducted by the Fayette County Veterans Council. Friends may visit at the church from 10 a.m. Monday until the time of service. Memorial contributions may be made to the family. Showalter Blackwell Long Funeral Home, Myers Chapel, Connersville, is in charge of the arrangements. For additional information and to send condolences or memories, go to www.ShowalterBlackwellLong.com.