Clarence Thurston
Clarence “Jeff” Thurston, age 89, of Strongsville, Ohio, passed away on October 22, 2019.
Jeff leaves behind his three children Joseph Thurston (Lisa Sloan) of Jefferson, Ohio; Roberta McCombs (Jay) of Amherst, Ohio; and Kent Thurston (Gina) of Strongsville, Ohio; and three grandchildren Lyndsey and Alex McCombs of Amherst, Ohio and Samuel Thurston of Strongsville, Ohio.
Jeff was preceded in death by his parents Clarence and Celia Thurston and brother Don Thurston all of Belle Fourche, SD; brother Gene Thurston and sister Ahleen Moriarty both of Idaho Falls, ID
Jeff was born in Sundance, WY in 1930, but not long after his family relocated to Belle Fourche, SD where he was raised. In 1948 he graduated from Belle Fourche High School where he was an accomplished athlete and musician. By age 25 he had enrolled in the Naval Academy at Annapolis and continued from there to serve in our United States Navy. From there he went on to start a successful business in North Royalton, Ohio, that he enjoyed operating before retiring to Sun Lakes, AZ. No matter where Jeff went, he made life-long friends who all remember his kindness, generosity, and wonderful sense of humor. Jeff had a smile and a big hug for everybody. Jeff loved westerns, playing cards, traveling, making music with his friends, but most of all he wanted everyone around him to be happy and have a good time.
A Memorial Service honoring Jeff’s life will be held at Columbia Baptist Church in Columbia Station at 2pm on Saturday November 2nd with a reception to follow.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial contribution can be made in Jeff’s honor to The Alzheimer’s Association
(www.alz.org)
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So sorry to hear of this. Jeff was so instrumental in the Belle Fourche Cowboy band and never missed a summer playing with our group. He also led the social times and provided dance music free of charge. God’s speed Jeff as you show Gabriel how to play the trumpet.
Wow. It is so sad to read of Jeff’s passing, a guy that meant so much to me. Jeff was instrumental in providing the music I had always wanted to learn to play on the trombone. It all started in 1983 with the reorganization of the Belle Fourche Cowboy Band when Jeff was in charge of the Social Committee. So many good times playing music and socializing. My condolences go out to Jeff’s family during this time of sadness.