Don Thurman

Don Gray Thurman, age 83 of Little Rock passed away peacefully in his sleep August 25th, 2012. He was born October 28th, 1928 in Rison Arkansas. He is preceded in death by his mother, Mildred Attwood, his father, Leali Attwood, and by Leroy Thurman. He was known as Don Attwood until he was 18 years old. Don graduated from Rison High School in 1946 and served in the Air Force, stationed in England, during the Korean Conflict from 1951-1955. He then enrolled and graduated from Arkansas Tech University earning a BA in Language and Liberation in 1957. He taught in the Arkansas Public School System until earning his Masters in Counseling in 1963, and then was employed as a counselor with the Arkansas Rehab Services now the Dept. of Human Services. During his 25 year career with ARS he earned a Doctorate in Administration in 1972 from the University of Arkansas-Fayetteville and retired as the Assistant Director in 1986. Don enjoyed Knife-making, Dutch Oven cooking, and was a consummate Arkansas History enthusiast. He was absolutely the best husband and father anyone could ask for, just ask. As he got older, his health started taking its course and he had to slow down. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Patsy Evans Thurman, by his two children, Walter Thurman and wife Becky of Little Rock and daughter Ellen Burgess of Mayflower. Also by his brother, Jim Ed Attwood and his wife Barbara and sister, Jean Phillips and her husband Charles. Memorial service will held Thursday, 11:00 a.m. August 30th, in the chapel at North Little Rock Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: The Cleveland County Historical Society, PO Box 226, c/o Rufus T. Buie, Rison, AR 71665. The family of Mr. Thurman wishes to thank all the folks at Briarwood, "your caring and love is wonderful, we could not have done it without you."

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