Thurman T. Williams, age 96, long-time Eddyville farmer/rancher, passed away Sunday, March 18, 2018, at his home with his family by his side.
Funeral Services will be Wednesday, March 21, 2018, at 2:00 p.m. at Grace United Methodist Church in Eddyville with Reverend Ryan Findley officiating. Burial with Military Honors will be in the Jewell Cemetery at Sumner, Nebraska. Visitation will be held Tuesday, March 20, 2018, from 5-7 p.m. at the Reynolds-Love Funeral Chapel in Lexington. Memorials are suggested to Grace United Methodist Church or the Donor’s Choice.
Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is honored to be assisting the family with arrangements. To share online condolences with the family please visit: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com.
He was born July 31, 1921, in Gibbon, Nebraska, to Trevor Tennyson and Lindsey Ann (Patterson) Williams. Following Thurman’s schooling, he helped with odd jobs. He then moved to Oregon where he worked for a rancher. It was during this time he was drafted into the U.S. Army during WWII. After his Basic Training, he was home on leave and was united in marriage to Lois “Jean” Walter on December 21, 1942, in Lexington. One son, Ross was blessed to this marriage.
After his marriage, he received a farming deferment from the military, thus starting his 70+ years of farming and ranching. His true love though was his horses. He was instrumental in keeping the Eddyville Rodeo alive and well until the rodeo’s 50th Anniversary when he had to call it quits. He served on the Eddyville Rodeo Club for years.
Thurman was an active man off the farm also. He was a member of Grace United Methodist Church, American Legion, the Plum Creekers, Dawson County Cattlemen, Dawson County Weed District Board, Chairman of the Eddyville Credit Union, and the Eddyville Volunteer Fire Department.
Thurman never really had any “hobbies” per se, but being outdoors, his horses, the farm, playing the Harmonica, going to church, those were the things that he enjoyed. His love of family was always present. He was a man with a dry wit, an ornery side, and always teasing. You might say he was Eddyville’s local historian. He could tell you who lived in each house even if it was 50 years ago. There will never be another Thurman, and may he rest in sweet peace with Jean by his side.
Leaving to mourn his loss is his son, Ross and daughter-in-law, Carol Williams of Eddyville, Nebraska; two grandchildren; Bryce (Diana) Williams of Eddyville, Nebraska, and Greg (Tara) Williams of Broken Bow, Nebraska; five great-grandchildren, Sage, Tennyson, Gracie, Ava, & Ella; one brother, Marion Williams of Roseburg, Oregon; two sisters, Audrey (Norman) Naef of Roseburg, Oregon, and Doris White of Roseburg, Oregon; two sisters-in-law, Hope Williams of Overton, Nebraska, and Dorothy Williams of Coquille, Oregon; also, nieces, nephews, extended family and many friends.
Thurman was preceded in death by his parents; six brothers, and two sisters.
