Richard M. Thurston

Richard M. Thurston, 83, of Shelbyville, passed away Saturday, February 21, 2026 at Morristown Manor.

Born August 30, 1942 in Shelbyville, he was the son of Emery and Alice M. (Walton) Thurston. He married June (Perry) Thurston on May 29, 1964, and she preceded him on October 20, 2022.

Survivors include a daughter Michelle Klepper (Michael) of Morristown; step brothers Steve Drake of Indianapolis, and Phil Drake of Milroy; 2 grandchildren- Kirsten Klepper-Byrnes (Brice) of Morristown, and Erica Klepper of Columbus; and 4 great grandchildren-Brisen, Casen, Grayson, & Masen Byrnes. He was preceded in death by his parents, his spouse, his step father Curtis Drake (who raised him), and a great granddaughter Jazzilyn.

Mr. Thurston had lived his entire life in this area, and attended Shelbyville High School. He had been a machinist at Delta Faucet in Greensburg for 32 years, retiring in 2006. He was a member of West Street United Methodist Church, a past member of Flat Rock Christian Church, a member of American Legion Post #70, and a former member of Moose Lodge and FOP. He was a US Marine Corps veteran.

Richard enjoyed hot rods, attending car shows, restoring and working on cars, and woodworking. He built a S10 Chevy show truck that won over 100 trophies at car shows.

Graveside services will be 11:30 am on Friday, February 27, 2026 at Boggstown Cemetery with Pastor Perry Richards officiating. Friends may call at Glenn E. George & Son Funeral Home, 437 Amos Road, on Friday morning from 9:00 am until 11:00 am, at which time we will proceded to the cemetery for the graveside service, where military rites will be observed.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, in care of the funeral home.

Online condolences may be shared at glennegeorgeand son.com.