Charlie E. Thurman

Charlie E. Thurman, age 78, died Wednesday, May 2, 2018 at Avita Ontario Hospital.

Born March 2, 1940 in Shelby to Henry "Pete" and Beulah M. (Johnson) Thurman, he had been a Cleveland resident for 31 years before moving back to Shelby in 1996. Charlie is a Veteran of the United States Army, serving from 1959 to 1962.  He graduated from Shelby High School in 1958, where he played baseball and football, and was a very active leader for the graduating class. He then received his undergraduate degree from The Ohio State University, and received his Masters in Education from John Carroll University.

Charlie had worked at Kirk Middle School, Shaw High School, and East High in East Cleveland, teaching honors English for many years, retiring in 1996. He had thoroughly enjoyed teaching and shaping young minds in the inner-city schools.  He had a passion for the arts and reading and writing poetry. Charlie had many hobbies, including solving crossword puzzles, watching the Cleveland Browns, Indians and Cavaliers and golf, cooking, and trivia.  

He is survived by his wife Diane (Clabaugh) (Holtz) Thurman, whom he wed July 19, 1996; six children, Christopher N. (Angela) Thurman of Mason, OH, Gregory D, (Laura) Thurman of Houston, PA, Timothy B (Holly) Thurman of Canonsburg, PA, Debbie (Mike) Keller of Rochester Hills, MI, Carrie (Mike) Murray of Mansfield, Jill Spencer of Mansfield; 14 grandchildren; one brother, Edward A. (Jenny) Thurman, and sister, Linda K. (Dave) Spangler, both of Shelby; numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Don L. Thurman.

Friends may call at the Barkdull Funeral Home & Crematory Monday, May 7, 2018 from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Funeral services will be held following calling hours at 1:00 PM. Pastor Steve Bond will officiate with interment held in Oakland Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Autism Speaks at 1060 State Rd, 2nd Floor, Princeton, NJ 08540; or the American Cancer Society at P.O. Box 22478 Oklahoma City, OK 73123; or the Ronald McDonald House at 45 Locust Street, Akron, OH 44302 

The family would like to extend a very special thank you to all the staff at Avita Ontario, Ohio Health Mansfield and the Mansfield Fire Department and Squad for all the loving care provided to Charlie.

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