Franklin Thurman

THURMAN, FRANKLIN D.Age 78, of Rio Rancho went home to the Lord on Tuesday, January 15, 2013, surrounded by family. He was born on February 8, 1934, in Vandalia, MO, to Beckworth and Bessie (Van Vacter) Thurman. He was a Veteran of the Korean War (1953-1956). On February 23, 1957, Franklin married Lois V. Pulis in Mexico, MO. They lived in Mexico, MO, Chicago, IL, and Albuquerque, NM before moving to Rio Rancho in 1986. During their early years of marriage, Franklin worked for International Shoe Co., and later, Florsheim Shoes, in Mexico. After moving to Albuquerque in 1970, Franklin worked for Price's Dairy, which would later become Borden's Dairy, making ice cream. He continued to work at the Dairy until his retirement in 1996. Together Franklin and Lois were blessed with 6 children, 5 grandchildren and 4 step-grandchildren. He enjoyed western movies, country and western music, model trains, playing the slots at the casino, wearing any one of his vast collection of hats, and spending time with his family. Franklin was preceded in death by his parents; 3 brothers, Lawrence, Beckworth and Charles Thurman; 3 sisters, Jessie Casey, Ruby Tillman and Josie Hartegan; and 1 niece, Phyllis Spurlock. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Lois; and son, Randal, of the home. Survivors also include son, Richard and wife, Diann; son, Russell and wife, Kathleen; son, Rex; daughter, Pamela and husband, Steven Valdez; daughter, Penny and husband, William Hein; grandchildren, Hannah Thurman, Thomas Thurman, Jon Thurman and wife, Cassie, Nicholas Hein and Patrick Hein; and step-grandchildren, Christopher Walker, Erin Ayres, Shannon Meek and husband, Deral, and Bryan Thurman; as well as 19 nieces and nephews. Visitation and viewing will be held on Sunday, January 20, 2013 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at FRENCH - Westside. A Memorial Service will be held on Monday, January 21, 2013, 10:00 a.m., at FRENCH - Westside. Interment will be at Sunset Memorial Park, 924 Menaul Blvd. NE. Please visit our online guestbook for Franklin at Golf Course Rd NW505-897-0300