By Jim Meridith
Posted: Updated:
10 Comments
  • Visitation

    Friday, August 14, 2020

    9:00 to 11:00 am

    St. Joseph Catholic Church, Lebanon, IL.

  • Service

    Friday, August 14, 2020

    11:00 am

    St. Joseph Catholic Church, Lebanon, IL.

  • Full Obituary

    Thurman Carver, 85, of Lebanon, IL passed to his heavenly home on Saturday, August 8, 2020 while at home, surrounded by his family.

    Thurman was born December 1, 1934 to Horace and Willie Mae (nee Bean) Carver in Marshall County Alabama.  On November 19, 1955, he married the love of his life, Patricia Vorce, after meeting her in Morocco, North Africa, while she was visiting her sister.

    Thurman was a graduate of Albertville HS in Alabama and Colorado State College, now known as the University of Northern Colorado.  He was a Veteran of the United States Air Force, serving 20 years.  Thurman retired as a Comptroller for the East St. Louis Rendering Company.  He was a member of St. Joseph Church in Lebanon and served the Parish as the cemetery groundskeeper and sexton for more than 10 years with his good friend, Bob Rowan.  He was also a member of the Summerfield Lions Club.

    Thurman was a private pilot who volunteered his time to the Young Eagles and managed the Flying Dutchman Airport in Belleville.  He was a long time licensed HAM radio operator, known by the call sign WA9ZYE.  Thurman dedicated his life to serving others, including being a caregiver for several family members.  He was known to spend days in the kitchen preparing untold gallons of his famous chili or potato soup recipe, donating all the ingredients, in addition to his time, to raise money for the Cemetery, the Flying Dutchman or the Lebanon Food Pantry. Thurman was, in every sense of the word, a good person, with his kindness and caring nature being part of his legacy.  Most of all, Thurman was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend to many.

    Thurman was preceded in death by his parents Horace and Willie Mae Carver; and his beloved wife, Patricia Carver.

    Thurman is survived by his son, Chuck (Deena) Carver; daughters, Cheryl (partner, Jim) Klitzing, Connie (Jason) Skidis; granddaughters, Liz (Nathan) Burbank, Sydney Skidis and Zoe Skidis; great granddaughter, Lila Burbank; brother, Swanee Latham Carver; sister, Gayla Matthews; several nieces, nephews, cousins and cherished friends.

    Memorials may be made to the St. Joseph’s Cemetery Fund.

    Visitation: Friday, August 14, 2020, from 9:00 to 11:00 am, St. Joseph Catholic Church, Lebanon, IL.

    Memorial Service: Friday, August 14, 2020, 11:00 am, St. Joseph Catholic Church, Lebanon, IL.

    **Please wear a mask, practice social distancing, and refrain from hugs and handshakes at the visitation and Memorial Service.   Livestreaming will be available at St. Joseph Parish Hall and on Facebook live.*

    Clergy: Msgr. Jim Margason

    Interment: at a later date, Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery

    Meridith Funeral Home, Lebanon, IL

Condolences are reviewed and published within 24 hours.

10 Condolences
 
  1. Stephen Mueller / August 10, 2020 at 2:38 pm

    Thurman, always know a Mr. Carver to all of . us kids. He taught us Ham Radio, a hobby I’ve always enjoyed. I will never forget the hamfests he took us boys to. Sometimes it was a 2 day event and we got to camp.
    Ham radio as a teen gave me an enjoyment that kept me home and out of trouble. His knowledge and friendship will be truely missed.

  2. Pat Suydam / August 10, 2020 at 5:38 pm

    Thurman was one of my favorite customers at the bank. So was your Mom. They were special to me. Please accept our condolences. Jon and Pat Suydam.

  3. Dennis & Pam Watts / August 10, 2020 at 7:48 pm

    Thurm was the best. He was an amazing person and invaluable member of the Summerfield Lions Club. My heart goes out to Cheryl and the Family.

    Dennis and Pam Watts

  4. Margaret Bergmark (Godwin) / August 10, 2020 at 8:08 pm

    I didn’t know Mr. Carver other than through Pat. All I knew was she thought the world of her husband. Now they are together.

  5. Jim and Joyce Hiych / August 10, 2020 at 8:21 pm

    I tried to call Thurm at the hospital as soon as I heard of his illness, but got no answer. Then I got tied up with my wife when she fell ill and also I took home communion to some shut-ins for our church where I am an elder. I just heard Monday evening of his death from my oldest daughter, LeAnne Springsteen. I lived in the same neighborhood as Thurm and Patty in Greeley, Colo. all during the sixties. We had good times together but we lost touch when we both moved. My second wife, Joyce, and I both saw Thurm and Patty at their 50Th, I think, wedding anniversary. I am so glad we went. We are holed now in defiance of the virus, for which we are sorry that we can’t make the funeral. Love and our prayers for your tragic loss to all concerned.

  6. Kelsey Willmont / August 10, 2020 at 8:35 pm

    I always loved listening to Thurm’s stories. He was such a sweet man! Love and prayers to Cheryl and family.

  7. John D. Bowling / August 10, 2020 at 8:46 pm

    Thurman was one of my closest friends for over 70 years. We joined the Air Force together in 1953 and we had serial numbers just one digit apart. This world will be a more lonely place without him. I’ll miss him and Pat when we once again have our annual high school reunion meetings. My thoughts and prayers are with his children and grand children during this time of mourning.

  8. Robin Brennan / August 11, 2020 at 1:32 am

    We are SO Very Sorry of the very sad passing of one of the kindest person. Thurman never met a stranger. He was a True friend to many. We have been honored to know him. And will treasure the many memories made with him & his beloved wife, Patty & family. I Loved the couple Airplane rides he gave me. And, it was Always a Joy to see him & Pat in our family restaurant. And, the years after when eating out elsewhere. Jim & I send our Condolences to his amazing family. Sincerely & with Love, Robin

  9. Joanne Roberts / August 12, 2020 at 8:28 pm

    I just saw that your Dad had died. My heart cries with you. I am so glad that I visited with him when we buried John. I will always see the two of them sitting there with your Dad’s cigar and John’s pipe. They enjoyed each other’s company so much just as your Mother and I loved being together. They are all together now. Some friends are close even apart and I always felt we had that friendship, the four of us.coming home will never be the same. May God hold you close and bring comfort with your memories.

  10. Doris Moore / August 14, 2020 at 12:39 pm

    Thurman was a high school classmate of mine. We thoroughly enjoyed our annual class reunions, especially after we passed the 50th. We had planned to have the annual luncheon this year and I think Thurman was planning to attend but Covid-19 had other plans. May God comfort his family in this time of sorrow and sadness.

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