Claude Thurman

Ellisville, Claude E. Turman died on November 24th, 2018 at Unity Point Hospital in Peoria. He was born on August 25, 1938 to Beth (Atwood) Turman and Cleo Turman of Peoria. Preceding him in death are his parents, and one sister Marilyn Eyster. He is survived by his wife Rita (Hessling) Turman of Ellisville, and sisters, Susan Ekvall of Metamora and Janice Reschke of Tucson, Az.
Claude was a Veteran of the United States Army serving for five years in Bremerhaven, Germany. Subsequently, he worked for the K Mart Corporation in management and later for thirty years at the Morton Caterpillar plant as a laborer and in management. He retired from Caterpillar in 1999.
Subsequently, he and his wife managed a small farm in Fulton County raising cattle and more recently cultivating generous amounts of organic vegetables which he shared enthusiastically. He had become a master gardener.
He enjoyed not only farming, but also fishing, building projects, mechanical restoration and landscaping. There was no project too large or too small to escape his attention.
Personal relationships were extremely important to Claude. He maintained many friendships with those originating from grade and High School as well as those started in the late 50’s while in the Army overseas. He was a generous, enthusiastic and loyal friend to all who knew him.
Cremation rites have been accorded Oaks-Hines Funeral Home and Crematory in Canton is assisting with arrangements.
online condolences, please visit www.oakshinesfuneralhome.com