THORPE, THURMAN EDGAR, April 4, 1922 – June 5, 2004

In loving memory of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, Thurman Edgar Thorpe, who passed away peacefully in Salt Lake City on June 5, 2004 surrounded by his family. He was 82. He lived a life full of love, service, exuberance and humor. Honesty and integrity are his legacy.

Born in Malad, Idaho on April 4, 1922 to Edgar and Rachel Blowdin Thorpe, Thurman fondly remembers growing up on their dry land farm 18 miles west of Malad. He graduated from Malad High School where he was a track, basketball and football star.

Thurman attended BYU for three years where he was on the track team. He joined the Marines in June, 1942 and was sent to The University of Colorado to work on his Engineering Degree. In 1943 he finished officer training school and was sent to the Pacific where he received orders to take over the Assault (flame throwers) and demolition) Platoon, 2nd Battalion, 21 Marines, 3rd Marine Division on Iwo Jima. After losing their officer and many troops, they went back to Guam to train for the invasion of Japan. On August 2, 1945 they shipped out for the invasion of Japan, but three days later the United States dropped the atomic bomb and soon the war was over. He then spent 14 months on Truk Atol processing 40,000 Japanese. Thurman was called back to active duty in 1951 as a Captain and spent 18 months serving in the Korean War.

Thurman married Wanda Vee Stewart in the LDS Salt lake Temple on January 27, 1949 and they enjoyed 55 years of joy together. He is survived by his wife, Wanda Vee and their five children, Robyn Lee Davis (Craig), Kathy Lynn Thorpe (David Scrimgeour), Sheri Ann Willie (Ross), Thurman Tyson (Lanette), and Tracy Kay Folsom (John). They have 17 grandchildren and one great grandchild. He is also survived by his brother Blair of Malad, Idaho and his sister Neva Rae Cambareri of Boise. He lost a sister (Mary Lou) at eight years and a brother (Ralph) at five years.

Thurman worked 35 years for CF&I Steel Corp. as a sales engineer and vice president of sales. His lifelong passions were golf, spending time with family and friends, and attending BYU games. BYU has lost one of its greatest fans.

Thurman was always a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was made an elder in 1940 in anticipation of going on a mission, but was placed on hold until after the war. Thurman and Wanda spent three years with friends on Temple Square and served many positions in the Church including the Elders Quorum President, high Priest Group Leader, Valley View 4th Ward Bishopric, Bishop of Pueblo, CO. 3rd Ward. Thurman and Wanda served a mission in Billings, Montana in 1987. Thurman and Wanda loved to travel and after retiring in 1984, they went to the Holy Land for the dedication of the Orson Hyde Memorial Park, China, Japan, Alaska, Russia, Spain, Portugal, England, Germany, France and Italy.

A celebration of Thurman’s life will be held June 10th at the S.L. Wasatch 8th Ward.