Donald Thurman

Graveside services are scheduled at 10 a.m. Thursday, September 17, at the General Douglas L. McBride Veteran's Cemetery in Roswell, N.M. for Donald Ray Thurman of Artesia.

Mr. Thurman, 69, died Monday, September 14, 2015 at Mission Arch Nursing Facility in Roswell.

Brother John Thomas will officiate at the services. Pallbearers will be Kenny Thurman, Jerry Thurman, Danny Thurman, Scott Gutierrez, Steve Gutierrez and Zachary Gutierrez.

Donald was born April 2, 1946 in Artesia, N.M.; the son of Olen Ray Thurman and Marian (DeWitt) Thurman. He was a lifelong Artesia resident.

He served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War and was the awarded the Vietnam Service Medal w 1 Silver Service Star, Bronze Service Star, the Army Commendation Medal along with several others.

On December 2, 1977 he was married to Olivia Chavez in Carlsbad, N.M.

Donald was a warehouse manager for Haliburton and a member of Lakewood Baptist Church. He enjoyed golfing, spending time with his grandkids, family, and his dog Barney. He was also self-employed owner and operator of the Sandhill Lunch Box, and Townhouse Cafeteria.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Survivors include his wife Olivia Thurman of family home; sons Danny Thurman of Santa Fe, N.M., Jerry Thurman of Hobbs, N.M., Ernie Thurman of Los Lunas, N.M., Kenny Thurman and wife Stacey of Artesia, Steve Gutierrez and wife Rhonda of Artesia, and Scott Gutierrez and wife Anna Marie of Artesia; sisters Patsy Trujillo of Artesia, Kathy Farrar of Artesia, and Teresa Thurman of Odessa, TX; brothers Junior Thurman and wife Vicki of Artesia, Mike Thurman and wife Pam of Artesia, and Joe Bob Thurman and wife Yvonne of Artesia; 7 grandchildren; and 1 great-granddaughter.

Service

Cemetery