Robert S. Thurman

Robert. S (Bob) Thurman (95) of Wilmore,, KY, died on Thursday, February 1, 2024 at home. Bob was born in Pawhuska, OK on July 4, 1928, and grew up in Southwest Missouri. He met his wife, Margaret G. (Peggy) Johnson in , Heidelberg, Germany, where he was stationed in the Army and she was with her father, an army Major. Both of them graduated from University of Kentucky's College of Education.

After teaching in elementary schools at Bartlesville, OK and Davidson County, TN, Bob taught at Emporia State Teachers College in KS and at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.He served as a visiting professor at the University of Maine for five summers, and at Southern Oregon State College in Ashland. Active in the field of early childhood education , he participated in developing Head Start in East Tennessee and the state kindergarten program. A story teller, Bob was known as "Mr. Bob" by children wherever he went.

In 2011, Bob and Peggy moved to Wesley Village in Wilmore KY , where they made many friends. He was active at the Wilmore Free Methodist Church.

Bob had a deep, abiding faith in his Lord, Jesus Christ, and was a Sunday School teacher for many years. He and Peggy spent many happy hours together, hiking in the Smokies and throughout the US and in other countries.

Bob is survived by Peggy, his wife of 73 years, daughters Mary Beth (Bryon) White, Sharon Ann (Drew) Fracher, Amy Lynn (Steve) Barson and Jeanne Marie Thomas; six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren

A memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m. at Wesley Village, with a reception following. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Wesley Village, 1125 Lexington St., Wilmore, KY 40390