Benton Joseph Thurmond, 59 years, passed to heaven on Sept. 7, 2010 from an auto accident in Buffalo, Mo.
Benny was born Sept. 2, 1951 in Victoria, Texas, to Orville and Erma (Black) Thurmond.
Benny was a resident of Long Lane for the past four years moving from Ava, Mo. He was a professional tree climber and had worked for White River Electric Cooperative and other company contractors.
On July 23, 1993 Benny and Beverly Heatherly were united in marriage in Pittsfield, Ill. Benny had served as an MP with the U.S. Marines during the Vietnam War. He was a Christian and had attended church. He enjoyed horseback riding, deer hunting, country living, gardening and being with his family.
Benny was preceded by his parents.
Benny is survived by his wife, Beverly S. Thurmond, Long Lane, Mo.; one son, Nick Joseph Thurmond, Long Lane, Mo.; four stepchildren, Rodney Jones and Chris Jones, both of Davenport, Iowa, Terry Jones, Springfield, Mo., and Stacey Jones, Chillicothe, Mo.; 12 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; two brothers, Nicky Joe Black, Deer Park, Texas, and Blaze Mastachio, of Texas; mother-in-law, Esther Heath, Long Lane, Mo.; and many nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.
Visitation will be Saturday, Sept. 11, at 1 p.m. in the Sweden Church east of Ava with graveside service at 2 p.m., and burial to follow.
Online condolences may be made to www.clinkingbeardfuneral home.com.
