Elmer Leon Thurman

Funeral services for Elmer Leon Thurman, of Hugo, Okla., were held at 10 a.m. Oct. 29, 2021 at Victory Assembly of God Church in Rattan, Okla. Elmer passed away Oct. 26, 2021, at the age of 73.

Elmer Leon Thurman was born on Dec. 25, 1947 in Rattan, Okla., to Henry and Ruby (Westrope) Thurman. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers: Nick Thurman and Kenneth Thurman and sisters: Christina Pound, Hazel Beauchamp and Velma Louise Thurman.

Elmer was a graduate of Rattan High School, Class of 1966, and a proud Veteran of the United States Air Force. He attained the rank of Sargent and received several medals and awards during his service, including the National Defense Service Medal and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. Elmer married the love of his life, Ubon Fuengfa in Thailand on May 25, 1968. He was honorably discharged from the Air Force on March 26, 1971, and they returned to the United States to make their home in Pushmataha County. Years later they resettled in Choctaw County.

Elmer enjoyed life and saw the good in the people he met. He was a long-time summer league baseball and softball coach. Elmer loved watching baseball, softball and basketball games and travelled many miles with Walter Watts, watching his kids compete and succeed. He enjoyed fishing, hunting and cooking deer meat. Elmer also enjoyed traveling with his wife and spending time with his family. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

Elmer is survived by his wife of 53 years, Ubon; sons: Terry Thurman and Tonya of Hugo, Jerry Thurman and wife, Rebecca of Hugo; daughter, Linda Eskue and husband, Scotty of Rattan; grandchildren: Keely Thurman, Nakie Thurman, Sebastian Thurman, Aiden Thurman and Kolbi Eskue; great-granddaughter, Grace; brother, Jerry Thurman and wife, Cheryl of Idabel, Okla., along with a host of other family, friends and loved ones.

Bro. Shawn Robertson and Walter Watts officiated the service, under the direction of Miller & Miller Funeral Home.