Dewey Franklin Thurman, Jr., age 66, formerly of Sumner, Illinois, passed away Wednesday, September 23, 2026, at the Casey Rehab and Nursing in Casey, Illinois.
Dewey Franklin Thurman, Jr., age 66, formerly of Sumner, Illinois, passed away Wednesday, September 23, 2026, at the Casey Rehab and Nursing in Casey, Illinois. He was born September 10, 1960 in Hammond, Indiana, the son of Dewey Franklin Thurman, Sr. and Phyllis Donsbach Thurman Rice. He married Kimbra Hayes, and she survives.
Dewey attended Lawrenceville High School and enjoyed a long and varied work career. He worked at AMF in Olney and at a small sawmill in Lawrenceville before retiring from Snap-on in Mt. Carmel. He later retired from Best Way Express, where he worked as a truck driver. Dewey had a great sense of humor and was known for his love of telling jokes. He had a special love for his German Shepherds and enjoyed fishing, bowling, and playing pool. He also enjoyed going to the VFW for dinner, cheering on the Chicago Cubs, and watching football. In his free time, Dewey loved swimming and riding four-wheelers.
Preceding Dewey in death were his parents.
Survivors include: wife, Kimbra; children Phoebe “Shellie” Drummond of Illinois, Justin Myrtle of Indiana, Amanda Henning of Indiana, two step-sons John Powers and James Powers of Missouri; siblings, Trish Thurman of Illinois, Edward Thurman of Illinois, Rick Thurman of Missouri, Elvis Thurman of Indiana, Ruby Thurman of Missouri, Judy Peeler of Indiana, Johnnie Thurman of Missouri, Teresa Thurman of Indiana, Benji Thurman of Indiana, J. R. Ray of Lawrenceville and Tony Ray of Indiana; grandchildren, Malia Myrtle, Skyleigh Myrtle, Addilyn Henning, Gracey Moran, Gigi Reed, Levi Richardson, Kaitlyn Powers, J. R. Powers, Anna Peach, Bella “Platypus” Peach, Gage Tipton, Cassidy Peach, Nash Powers and Baily Powers.
Celebration of Life will be Thursday, October 1, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at the Sumner Community Church, 400 S. Christy Avenue, Sumner, Illinois.
