Wilmer Thurston

Wilmer (Wil) Clair Thurston, 90
Wilmer Clair Thurston, of Oxford, went into the arms of Jesus on Saturday, October 4, 2025, surrounded by loved ones. He was 90. Wil was born on December 30, 1934, in Clearfield, Pennsylvania, to Wilmer Laport Thurston and Roberta (Richner) Thurston. He always loved the sweet mountains of western Pennsylvania and had fond memories of his childhood there. He graduated from Clearfield High School in 1952 and in December of the same year, journeyed with a friend to Detroit, Michigan to find work.
His first job in Michigan was an assembly line employee at the Ford Motor Company. A few years later he was hired into the Data Processing Department at Fisher Body in Centerline. Little did he know that he was going to watch the computer industry boom! He was one of the first employees at General Motors to be trained in this 'new' technology. He became a supervisor and stayed with GM for over 35 years until his retirement at age 63.
He also had a dual career, and main passion, as a pilot. For over 50 years he honed his craft and earned ratings through commercial pilot. He instructed hundreds of aspiring and seasoned pilots, hanging up his wings at age 70. Besides flying, Wil loved to travel. He and the love of his life, Charlotte, spent many years traveling the globe. Throughout the United States and Canada, Scandinavia to Italy, Australia, New Zealand and even the final cross Atlantic voyage of the Queen Elizabeth II and a day trip into Russia - they literally saw the world!
He lived a very full, happy life and loved his family. He is survived by his daughter, Diane (Steve) Giroux and his grandchildren, Kristin (Joe) Cabaniss, Steven (Sarah) Giroux and Ryan (Stacy) Giroux. He is also survived by his great-grandchildren, Mary Burchard, Dean Giroux, Evelyn Giroux, Megan Giroux, Christopher Giroux, Gabriel Giroux, Andrew Giroux, Jonathan Cabaniss and Matthew Giroux. He also is survived by his brother, Brian Thurston of Oregon. He was preceded in death by his wife, Charlotte (Guthaus) Thurston; parents, Wilmer Laport and Roberta; sister, Diane Ruth Thurston; brother, Gary Thurston; and great-grandchildren, Aiden Giroux and Elizabeth Giroux.
Donations in his honor can be made to the Alzheimer's Association. A private internment and Celebration of Life will take place in late November. Arrangements were entrusted to Lynch & Sons Funeral Directors, Oxford.