Leonard W. Thurman

Leonard W. Thurman, 92, a resident of Cleveland passed away Friday at his home surrounded by family.  He was born in Apalachicola, FL, and had lived in the Cleveland area for the past 47 years.  He was an executive with Owens-Illinois for 38 years.  After his retirement, he became a consultant with Gaylord Container Corporation.

Leonard was very involved in all of his church communities throughout his life.  He was a member, Sunday school teacher, and deacon at First Baptist Church of Cleveland.  Leonard and Martha started Crystal Lake Baptist Church in their home in 1963 in Burnsville, MN. 

He was a former President of the Cleveland Chamber of Commerce.  He proudly served in the U.S. Navy during World War II.  He enjoyed playing golf and running.

He was preceded in death by his parents, George W. Thurman and Lilla Mae Martin Thurman; and one brother Harold Thurman.

He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Martha Morris Thurman; five children, Gary W. Thurman of Fort Smith, AR, Wayne Thurman (Kay) of Magnolia Springs, AL, Tim Thurman (Cathy) of Valdosta, GA, Todd Thurman (Kathleen “Kat”) of Boca Raton, FL, and Sandra Thurman of Nashville, TN; three grandchildren, Erin Thurman of Nashville, TN, Katie Thurman and Tyler Thurman of Valdosta, GA; and several nieces and nephews also survive.

A remembrance of life celebration will be conducted at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 8, 2018 at First Baptist Church with Dr. Allan Lockerman and Pastor Jim Gibson officiating.  Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens with military honors and bagpipes concluding the service. 

The family will receive friends from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday, May 7, 2018 at Ralph Buckner Funeral Home.

We invite you to send a message of condolence and view the Thurman family guestbook at www.ralphbuckner.com.