Jerry LeRoy Thurman

Jerry Leroy Thurman, age 79, returned to his heavenly home on February 7, 2026 at his home in Taylor, Arizona, holding the love of his life’s hand. He was born July 19, 1946 in Clovis, New Mexico to Loyd Edward and Leitha Helen Thurman. He was the middle of three children, with one older and one younger sister. He spent his early life in Clovis and, there, he met his eternal companion, Linda Rose Peterson, in October, 1965. They were married on February 5, 1966 in San Jon, New Mexico.

They welcomed their first child, Dusty Ray Thurman, on January 29, 1967 and their second child, Melissa Helen Thurman, joined the family on September 13, 1968.

During their marriage, they made several moves as a family and were able to add a third child, Trudy Joeslina Arrates Thurman, to their family on August 31, 1982 in Cortez, Colorado. They moved to Taylor, Arizona in December 1983 and made it their permanent home.

Jerry was a hard-working man and a great provider. He spent several years working on and managing hog farms near Willcox, Arizona. He went to work at the papermill in Snowflake in 1990 and retired from there in 2009.

He had an infectious smile and a kind, gentle, loving spirit. He was a wonderful son, husband, father and grandfather. He loved camping and fishing and telling jokes. He especially loved being with his family and is and will be missed greatly by all who know and love him.

He is survived by his wife, Linda Peterson Thurman, sister, Sheila Ingham, children, Dusty Thurman, Missy (Marty) Gardner, Trudy (Justin) Sherman, 9 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren.

Preceded in death by his mom, Helen Thurman, dad, Loyd Thurman, sister Dorsie Lee Douthett.

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