Herman T. Thurman

Herman T. Thurman, 94, of Benton passed away at his home with his family, Saturday, March 15, 2014. He was born on July 21, 1919 to James Coleman and Claudia Dell (Rogers) Thurman, on of 10 children. He served in WWII in the Army Air Corp in New Guinea, the Philippines and Australia. In 1945 he was discharged as a Master Sergeant with four years of distinguished service. Upon release from military services he enrolled at the University of Arkansas. He graduated in 1949 with an electrical engineering degree. After a brief term with Arkansas Power and Light in Harrison, Ark., he began his 30 year career at Reynolds Metals Company. There he served as an assistant to Superintendent of the Power House and later as Superintendent. His last six years were served in Jamaica. He was a member of New Life Baptist Church, a founding member of the Salem Water Association and served on the Board of Directors for 25 years. He is survived by his daughter, Leigh Massey, of Benton, Ar.; his sister, Betty Jean Ford (Dale), of New Braunfels, Texas; and brother, Charles Thurman (June), of Cape Girardeau, Mo. Herman was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Jessie Marie (Sparkman); and two daughters, Jacquelyn Harrell of Benton and Bettye Ann Russell, of Huntsville, Ala. The family would like to thank Saline Memorial Hospice for the care and guidance they provided. They would also like to thank the women who lovingly cared for Herman in his final years. Visitation is to be held Monday March 17, from 6-8 p.m. at Ashby Funeral Home in Benton. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, March 18, at 2 p.m. at Ashby Funeral Home with burial at Forest Hills Cemetery in Alexander. Online guest book at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com.