Gordon W. Thurston

Gordon Thurston, age 85 of Midland died peacefully at home Wednesday, December 16, 2009 surrounded by his family. The son of the late Carl and Minnie (Crippen) Thurston was born on November 16, 1924 in Grayling, MI. On November 12, 1941 he married the former Maynell Hancock in Midland. Gordon served with the U.S. Navy during WWII in the America Area and Asiatic Pacific Area. Gordon worked for the Dow Chemical Co as a painter for 41 years, retiring in 1983. Gordon was a life member and Past Commander of the V.F.W. Post 3615, member of the Order of Cooties, member of the AM Vets, Berryhill Post # 165 American Legion and was an active member with their drill team and Military Funeral Honors Group. He was also a member of the Midland Bowling Hall of Fame and served as Secretary of the Men's Semi Classic Bowling League.

Gordon is survived by his wife of 68 years, Maynell Thurston; sons, Gordon William "Bill" (Donna) Thurston, Robert (Kathy) Thurston both of Midland; daughters, Beverly (Peter) Welsh and Tammy (Mark) Kilbreath; 10 grandchildren, Michael Thurston, Matthew Thurston, Sheri (Leonard) Thurston, Tesa (Don) Emery, Daniel Thurston, Kris Jablonski, Kevin Jablonski, Kristen Kilbreath, Brent Kilbreath, and Michelle Kilbreath; 16 great grandchildren; and 2 great great grandchildren. Gordon is predeceased by his siblings, Clifford Thurston, Lena Plummer, Marion Laughton, Carl Thurston, Leon Thurston, Joyce Austin and Don Thurston.

Funeral service for Gordon will be conducted at 1:00 PM, Monday, December 21, 2009 from the Wilson MILLER Funeral Home with Mr. Gary Dunham Jr. officiating. Military honors will be conducted under the auspices of the Midland Area Veterans and the U.S. Navy Funeral Honors Guard. Visitation will be at the Wilson MILLER Funeral Home on Sunday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 and from noon until time of funeral on Monday. Memorials may be offered to MidMichigan Regional Dialysis Center or to MidMichgan Home Care-Hospice.