Charles W. Thurman, 88, of Bellefontaine, Ohio passed away on Friday October 31, 2025 in his home surrounded by his loving family.
Charlie was born May 3, 1937, in Springfield, Ohio the son of the late Rodney Dale and Ruth Juanita (Tincher) Thurman.
Charlie married the love of his life Virginia “Ginny” Clark in Richmond, Indiana on May 8th, 1954. After 32 years of service, he retired from International Harvester.
A true mountain man at heart, he found his greatest joy in the wide-open spaces of Wyoming where he spent countless days hunting elk, deer, and even hunting black bear in Canada. He was an avid hunter and fisherman who felt most at home under the open sky.
A journeyman lift mechanic by trade, Charlie could fix anything with his hands. Growing up, he was taught to work on everything himself rather than pay someone else to do it, a lesson that shaped his entire life. He was also a farmer, tending to animals and horses, and always keeping busy.
Whether working in the fields, tinkering in the shop, or heading out on a hunt, he approached everything he did with quiet strength and determination. Most importantly, Charlie was a devoted Christian whose faith guided him through life. He often said he “married the best I could ever get,” and his love for his family was steadfast and deep. Though his heart belonged to Wyoming, where he felt so connected to the land and the spirit he loved so much, Ohio was his home. He was a true man of his word where a handshake meant everything.
Charlie is survived by his daughter, Sherrie (Rob) Aubrey; grandchildren, Natalie (Jim) Blythe, Alise “Lesi” (Cristian) Diaz-Mendoza, Charlie Thurman, and Darrell Thurman; great-grandsons, James and William Blythe; and sister, Ruth Ann Puckett; sister-in-law Tootie Thurman and numerous nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Ginny; son, Doug Thurman; sister, Jane (William “Tex”) Moore; brothers Rodney Thurman, Robert Thurman, Donald Thurman, Clarence Thurman and brother-in-law, Earl Puckett.
A gathering of family and friends will be from 10 a.m. to noon Thursday, November 6, in Vernon Funeral Home, Urbana, Ohio. Funeral service will take place immediately following in the funeral home.
Burial will follow in Rose Hill Cemetery, Springfield, Ohio. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.vernonfh.com
