D. Thurston

D. Wilbur Thurston of St. Johns died Tuesday, July 8, 2014 at the age of 94. Born July 5, 1920 to Forest and Myrtle (Darling) Thurston, Wilbur was a life-long and active member of the First Congregational Church of St. Johns. On November 1, 1942, he married Leola Mareen Rhynard Thurston and she survives him.

Wilbur was a man who deeply loved his family and the St. Johns community. Wilbur was involved with the Clinton County 4-H Fair and Future Farmers of America, was a member St. Johns Masonic Lodge # 105, and had a life-long passion for horses. In 1979, Wilbur and Leola built a pond on the family farm. The pond would become Wilbur's pride and joy as he was able to spend many, many days and evenings with his family and friends around the pond fishing.

Also surviving are his grandsons; Derek Thurston, Forrest (Andrea) Thurston, and Caleb Thurston; great grandchildren, Kaelyn May and Douglas Lynn Thurston; and nephews; Terry (Barbara) Thurston and Keith (Winnie) Thurston. Wilbur was preceded in death by his daughter, Denise Thurston Patterson, son, Douglas Lee Thurston, and parents, as well as, brother and sister-in-law, Otto and Fritz Thurston.

Funeral services will be held 11:00 AM Saturday, July 12, 2014 at the First Congregational Church with Rev. Matt Olson officiating. Burial will follow at Mt. Rest Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Friday from 2-4 and 6-8 PM at the Osgood Funeral Home, 104 E. Cass St., St. Johns, MI 48879. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the First Congregational Church, 100 Maple St., St. Johns, MI 48879.