Thomas E. Yurman

Thomas Eric Yurman passed away peacefully on January 26, 2026, at the age of 81.

The son of Eric Yurman and Miralda Yurman Phillips, Thomas was born in Pelpin, Poland, during his family's escape from war-torn Estonia, before they ultimately settled in Baltimore, Maryland. His early life was marked by resilience, a quality that shaped the steady, purposeful man he became.

Thomas was a devoted husband of 57 years to Sara Jean Yurman (née Hartline) of Selbyville, Delaware, and a loving father to Eric (Eileen) Yurman of Baltimore, Maryland, and Sara Beth Yurman of Portland, Oregon. His family was the center of his life, and he showed his love through constancy, a boisterous sense of humor, sacrifice, and his honest perspective.

A proud graduate of Baltimore Polytechnic Institute and Johns Hopkins Whiting School of Engineering, Thomas also served honorably in the 175th Wing of the Maryland Air National Guard. His career as a Professional Civil Engineer spanned decades and several respected firms, including Green and Associates, Kaiser Engineers, and Century Engineering. Through his work, he contributed to multiple projects across the country, leaving behind a legacy of precision, responsibility, and care.

Thomas built a life rooted in perseverance, family, and service. He raised his children in Churchville, Maryland, before retiring to Selbyville, Delaware. He cherished time with those he loved and took pleasure in life's simple rituals: cheering for Baltimore sports, playing a round of golf, coaching his children's sports teams, tinkering in the garage, tending carefully to his fireplace, and wandering in the woods around the home that he built. He enjoyed a well-made cocktail, a good cigar, and answering a simple question with a complex diagram drawn on a napkin. Thomas will be remembered for his steady presence, his dedication, and the life he crafted with integrity, intention, and love.

In addition to his wife and children, Thomas is survived by his cousin Tonu (Glenda) Riismandel; brothers-in-law Franklin (Cherie) and Richard (Beverly) Hartline; and many nieces and nephews.

A service and interment will take place on February 6, 2026, at 1:00 PM at the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery at 26669 Patriots Way, Millsboro, Delaware, 19966.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Thomas' name to the Parkinson's Foundation.