David L. Thurston Sr.

David Thurston Obituary

David L. Thurston, Sr. Battle Creek David L. Thurston, Sr., age 68, of Battle Creek, died Wednesday, September 24, 2008 at Battle Creek Health System. David was born on August 27, 1940, the son of Millard and Ruby (Vick) Thurston. He had been a lifelong resident of the area and a 1959 graduate of Battle Creek Central High School. He married his first wife, Joyce F. Thurston, in 1960, the marriage ended in divorce in 1984. He married his present wife, Lois Evelyn Heatherly, in 1989, she survives. In the 1960s through the 1970s he was heavily involved with gospel music. He became a pastor in the '70s for Wesleyan and Nazarene churches. He was currently involved in the hospitality business in hotel management, bus tours and charters before retiring in 2005. He enjoyed playing the piano, watching his grandchildren play sports and music, going to Gaither concerts and watching their DVD's, attending the National Quartet Convention and riding the bus with the musical group "The Thurstons." He is also survived by 4 children, David L. (Marni) Thurston, Debbie (Richard) Schau, Denise (Paul) Tramel-Lilly and Donna (Todd) West; stepchildren, Doug (Donna) Heatherly and Jim Heatherly; 12 grandchildren and 5 stepgrandchildren, 1 great-grandchild and 1 step-great-grandchild; and brother, Kenneth (Bonnie) Thurston. He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Donald Thurston; a sister, E. Ellen Ermer; and a grandson, Jon Brust. In accordance with his wishes cremation has taken place. A private family service will be held. Memorials may be given to the American Diabetes Association. Arrangements by the Richard A. Henry Funeral Home.

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Published by Battle Creek Enquirer on Sep. 28, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for David Thurston

9 Entries

sarah Lilly

October 1, 2008

Dear Dee I just want you to no I'm so sorry for the passing of your Dad he 's a good man and always had a smile for any and all occasions I will always have good memories of him and you together, there are not enough words to describe the sympathy i have for you and your family if there is any thing I can do for you remember im a phone call away with all my love Sarah ,Grace Gary and Jenny

Linda Frick

September 30, 2008

Denise, I am very sorry to hear of your father's death. I know how much you loved him, and how much he meant to you. My sincere thoughts of sympathy are with you and your family.

Dawn Furgason

September 29, 2008

David,
I'm sorry for the confusion the other day when I signed the guest book. I should have signed the name you would know me by. Dawn Glover-Furgason

Dave Thurston, Jr.

September 29, 2008

Thanks for all of your kind words and for thinking of our family at the time of the loss of our dad.

Since he was human we know he wasn't perfect. He did always try to maintain a relationship with each of his children and enjoyed watching his grandchildren play sports, music and supported them in any other area in which they applied themselves.

What I do for a living and has met the needs of my family over the years is a result of the trade he taught me years ago.

Dad will be missed but we have good memories.

If anyone wishes to contact me they can do so via e mail [email protected]

Thanks again for your kind words at this time.

Sincerely,

Dave
(David L. Thurston, Jr.)

Kelli Gibson

September 29, 2008

Dear Thurston Family,

It's been years since I've really seen any of you, and just earlier this year, had brief contact again with Dave, but, I've known you all since the Thurston Family singing days, as well as when Dave was with Charity Trio.....during which time my own Mom sang and played piano for The New Life Ambassadors, as well as just having many mutual friends. I don't expect any of you, but Dave to remember me of course, but wanted to come here and offer my condolences.

I'm was saddened to hear of the loss of your Dad. I will keep you all in my prayers and may peace and comfort be with you all during this sad time.

May your faith keep you strong in the knowledge that you will someday be able to be with your Dad again!! Our time on Earth with our loved ones is so brief, but our time with them in Heaven will be eternal.

God bless you all......
Kelli Gibson (Factor)

Dee Tramel-Lilly

September 28, 2008

That poem reminds me of my dad. I am deeply saddened by his passing and I will miss him very much. He was a wonderful man and a great grandfather to my boys.

Dee Tramel-Lilly

September 28, 2008

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, ""I welcome you.""

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......""My day was not in vain.""
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2008

Ron & Tonya Ermer

September 28, 2008

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

Dawn Furgason

September 28, 2008

David, Debbie, Denise and Donna,
It has been many years since I have seen or talked to you, but I have thought about each and everyone of you often. I just wanted you to know I am thinking of you now and I am so sorry for your loss.
Dawn

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