Charles Thurman

Charles "Charlie" Hampton Thurman, 88, of Cape Girardeau passed away Saturday, March 26, 2022.

Charlie was born Aug. 14, 1933, in McRae, Arkansas, to Jim "Holifield" and Claudia Rogers Thurman. He married June F. McAllister on Sept. 5, 1954. They were married 62 years, until June's death in 2017. She was his support, motivation and compass; everything Charlie accomplished, he accomplished with June. Together, they raised three daughters, Debbie, Cindy and Margaret in Louisiana, Iowa and Missouri.

He grew up the youngest of 10 siblings in the small town of McRae, a heritage that deeply shaped his work ethic and unique metaphors. He received his electrical engineering degree from the University of Arkansas in 1955. He spent his career with The Monsanto Company, during which he held many positions, including electrical engineer, plant manager and director of manufacturing, serving in Luling, Louisiana; Muscatine, Iowa, and St. Louis. He retired to Cape Girardeau in 1989 to be near his family.

Charlie was a vibrant presence, making an impact on those around him by kindly and generously knowing and encouraging them -- his family, church community, co-workers and neighbors. Many were touched by his spiritual investment across multiple generations, including a long list of "adoptive" family members. He was known by many names: "Buddy," "Hot," "Bruz," "Pap" or "Mr. Charlie." In his later years, he deeply cherished the Senior Adults at Cape Bible Chapel. Charlie loved the outdoors and spent his retirement cultivating and maintaining his property on his Ford tractor, refinishing furniture, fishing, bird watching and quail hunting.

He was preceded in death by his father and mother; nine siblings, Vernon, Hilton, Herman, Geraldine, Margaret, Elizabeth, Hugh, Erma Lee and Betty Jean; and his wife, June.

He is survived by his three daughters and sons-in-law, Debbie and Larry Young of Cape Girardeau, Cindy and Gary Olson of Cape Girardeau and Margaret and Jim Stanzell of Tupelo, Mississippi; 11 grandchildren and their families, Lauren (Joe) Thomas, Andy (Kristie) Young, Krista (Peter) Weeks, Beth (Clint) Renfrow, David Olson, Stephen McKinney, Jon (Natalie) Young, Bethany Olson, J.P. Stanzell, Ben Stanzell and Maddie Stanzell; and 11 great-grandchildren (and expecting another).

Visitation will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday at Cape Bible Chapel, 2911 Kage Road, with service to follow at 1 p.m.

Memorials may be sent to Cape Bible Chapel or Maranatha Bible and Missionary Conference, 4759 Lake Harbor Road, Muskegon, MI 49441.

Ford and Sons Funeral Home is handling arrangements.

Online condolences may be shared at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.