Judson Thurston, Jr.

Jusdon Taft Thurston, Jr. Fort Gratiot - Judson Taft Thurston, Jr., 77, passed away peacefully at home with his family at his side on August 28, 2008, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born in Worcester, MA on September 14, 1930 to the late Judson T. and Marion (Knott) Thurston. He served our country in the U. S. Air Force oversees during the Korean War prior to attending Michigan State University, where he met and married Gloria B. Howard. They were married for 51 years on June 1, and raised three daughters. Jud enjoyed hunting, fishing, flying, boating, wood carving and building projects for his children and grandchildren. He was a member of the Lexington Masonic Lodge #61 and formerly served as treasurer of St. Matthews Church. Jud retired after 35 years as Materials Manager for BinDicator Company in Port Huron and continued working for Best Buy, Gander Mountain and VF Sports. He is survived by his loving wife, Gloria; daughters and grandchildren, Bethany (Scott) Kirwen, Chris and Justin of Sturgeon Bay, WI, Debby (Bruce) Bailey, Matt, Greg, Brad and Brittney of Clyde and Judy (Brian) Porter and Kayla of Kimball; sisters, Joanne Wood, Sandra (Dick) Hartman and Gail Thurston; nieces, nephews, cousins and friends; special friends, Amber Emerick and Chris Moretz and Lucky. He was preceded in death by his father and mother. A service celebrating his life will be held at 5:30 p.m. Monday at Karrer-Simpson Funeral Home. Elder Thomas G. Dennis will officiate. Family will receive friends from 4:00 to 5:30 p.m. Monday. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider a memorial contribution in Juds honor to his family, to be used according to his wishes. The family would like to extend grateful appreciation to Heartland Hospice for their tremendous care and support. Jud will be with us forever in our hearts having left us with smiles.