He was a retired school teacher, member of the Fountain Hill First Baptist Church, member of the Flat Creek Cemetery Committee and was an avid sportsman, deer hunter, turkey hunter and fisherman. Dennis was very instrumental in helping organize the Lacey/Ladelle Volunteer Fire Department where he was a trained fireman and was their vice-president until his death.
He was a 1964 graduate of Drew Central High School and a 1969 graduate of Arkansas A&M College (now UAM) where he obtained his Bachelor of Science degree in Education with a double major in Physical Education/Biology. He was also a member of Phi Lambda Chi fraternity. In 1974, after teaching five years at Desha Central in Rohwer, he began his career at Drew Central teaching elementary physical education and physical science at Drew Central. He then became a biology/human anatomy instructor for many years. Dennis retired from Drew Central Schools after 35 years of service.
He was also very active in his church where he loved to teach the 2nd and 3rd grade Vacation Bible School classes. During his tenure at Drew Central, Dennis was the recipient of many awards. In 1990, he was named Drew Central Teacher of the Year and in 2007 received the Drew Central Master Educator Award. He also received the Drew Central Distinguished Service Award in 2010.
Survivors include his wife of 44 years, Edith White Thurman of Lacey; two daughters, Denise Thurman Sturmer (Ed) and Debra Thurman Kirchoff (Scott Hayes) all of Stuttgart; three brothers, Larry Thurman of New Hope, DeWayne Thurman and wife, Judy of Crossett and Curtis Thurman of Rohwer; three grandchildren, Tristan, Trace and Darah Kirchoff; two step grandsons, Adam Johnson and Hunter Hayes; and one great grandson, Aiden Johnson.
Condolences(69)
Charles and Jeanette Deaton
Delight, AR Saturday, January 4, 2014 Just read about Dennis today. How time goes by so fast in this life and it seems so short. Jeanette and I got to know Dennis and Edith when we lived in Fountain Hill 40+ years ago. Dennis made a great positive impact on the lives of many people. May God Bless in these times of sorrow as we look forward of seeing Dennis again where there is no sorrow nor pain.Wayne Fawcett
Paris, AR Tuesday, December 3, 2013 Dennis was the consummate educator. His influence with students will be felt for many years, he will be greatly missed.Kenneth B. May & Patricia A. Brown-May
Kalamazoo, MI Monday, December 2, 2013 Please accept our deepest sympathy for lost of your family member and my former teacher. It was really good to see Dennis at our 40th Class Reunion in May.Kindest regards,
Kenneth, Delta High School Class of '73
Annette Posey
mcgehee, AR Sunday, December 1, 2013 So sorry to hear of Dennis' passing.. Have heard nothing but good words about him..Praying for his wife and family.Valerie Chapman Carter
Vivian, LA Saturday, November 30, 2013 Dear Family,So sorry to hear about Mr. Thurman. He was a wonderful teacher and such an awesome person. He was a great friend to our family. We are praying for you at this time.
God Bless and Comfort You.
Sincerely,
Valerie Chapman Carter (Class of 81)
Janis Sweet Burt Smith
Malvern, AR Saturday, November 30, 2013 Dennis was a few years ahead of me in school, but I always knew who he was because of basketball, and his friendly and outgoing personality. When I heard he had become a teacher, I envied his students, because I knew he would make every class he taught wonderful and engaging. He was so lively and full of life and mischief. May God Bless his family and grant them ease, knowing he is no longer ill or in pain, and that he was loved by so many.Dell Black
, TX Saturday, November 30, 2013 I hated he made me collect 20 insects because I kept calling them bugs...I still call them bugs but, he made his point. lol, .. His life made a difference in the world and a positive influence in so many peoples lifes. He will be missed but, his legacy will remain. Rest in Peace my Friend. ♥~Dell BlackMark & Meranda Cater
Monticello, AR Saturday, November 30, 2013 Our deepest sympathy goes out to the family and dear loved ones of Mr. Thurman. Dennis had a presence about him, in that he made a lasting impression where ever he went. He dearly loved his family. May the peace that surpasses all understanding rest on his family, friends and loved ones during this time.With love and respect,
Mark, Meranda and Zach Cater
Pamela Daniels
Monticello, AR Saturday, November 30, 2013 My thoughts and prayers go out to the Thurman Family.Mary F. King
Monticello, AR Friday, November 29, 2013 There's nothing I can say about Dennis that hasn't already been said a dozen times over. He loved people and people loved him. His was a life well lived. He will be missed by all who knew him. My deepest condolences to the family he loved so deeply.Catherine Whitehead
Star City, AR Friday, November 29, 2013 Dennis will be missed by so many, and what a good life he led. My family is praying for yours in these Holiday times.Sincerely
The Whitehead Family
Stephanie Milton
, GA Friday, November 29, 2013 Sorry for the loss of you loved one, wish I could have been able to come by and pay my respects. And certainly would have if the distance wasn't so great.Sincerely,
Stephanie
Margie Chambers Irbe
Jonesboro, AR Friday, November 29, 2013 My thoughts and prayers are with the Thurman family during this time of grief. Dennis touched the lives of many and left us with special ever-lasting memories. Drew Central and its teachers are truly appreciated (classmate of DeWayne).Jim and Mary Savage
Crossett, AR Friday, November 29, 2013 We only knew you for a few years but they were great years. You were such a special person at our church and we will miss you so much. We know you are in a far better place now and no more suffering. Our prayers and thoughts are for Miss Edith and the rest of your family. We ask God to give them peace and comfort. Love you all so much.lisa baldwin
Arkansas, AR Friday, November 29, 2013 MY PRAYERS ARE WITH HIS FAMILY AT THIS TIME MR THURMAN WAS A GREAT TEACHER AND WILL BE GREATLY MISSED AND YOU CAN NOT REPLACE HIM AS HE WAS A GREAT MANBishop Sam Wherry
Monticello, AR Friday, November 29, 2013 In Rural America in the Deep South in the field of Education and Community Service in one of the most conservative regions in the World, this man Dennis Thurman has to be one of the most remarkable and Honorable entities in Rural America who stood his ground and promoted students and not race. He was one Giant of a man . Forty-Eight Years I knew this man and his legacy will be forever an achieves in Southeast Arkansas, for him Death is not a Blind Alley that Leads Him Into a State of Nothingness, but an Open Door that leads Him to Eternal Life, for He(Dennis Thurman) Lord God and the People of God.Carl Sivils
Crossett, AR Friday, November 29, 2013 So sorry for your loss. You are in our prayers. God Bless.Janice McAllister
Hot Springs Village, AR Thursday, November 28, 2013 Dennis will be greatly missed and I know he was truly loved by all. What a great legacy this man left behind for all who knew him I wanted you to know how sorry I am for your loss and will continue to pray for you. God has taken an angel. May God surround you with his loving arms, give you peace and comfort at this time. With love & sympathy, Janice Gladden McAllisterPeggy Sawyer Everett
Monticello, AR Thursday, November 28, 2013 To the Thurman Family may GOD bless you in the time of loss. Mr.Thurman was a GREAT man. He could always brighten a person's day just by saying a couple of words. He was one of my favorite teachers, biggest basketball fan, and coach. He would tell the team what we needed to do whether it was right or wrong, especially me and Debra. Mr.Thurman will be truly missed. Debra my prayers are with you and your family. Classmate of 1991Rev. Neich Robinson
Monticello, AR Thursday, November 28, 2013 Mrs. Edith Thurman and family, my prayers are with you all. Mr. Thurman, whom I had known over 30 years had a charismatic personality and was a blessing to many people. Take comfort in knowning that GOD always knows what is best for all of us even when we don't understand.Rev. Neich Robinson, Jr.
Tina Taylor
Mayflower, AR Wednesday, November 27, 2013 Edith and family I am so sorry for your loss.I have many fond memories of Dennis and my Dad from deer camp when we all went to the Goyne camp.He was always so fun and even as a kid I always got a kick out of him.We all shared a love of the outdoors and hunting and those are some of my happiest memories.Dennis helped us find the first buck deer i ever killed.He was one of a kind and a great fella.And to this day Miss Margie made the best peach cobbler i have ever eaten.Lena (Feeser) Cooper
White Hall, AR Wednesday, November 27, 2013 Edith, Denise, Debra and family - you have lost a wonderful man; one loved by all. I recall many memories of him dating back to when I first moved to Lacey and Dennis was just a little boy. There were special times spent with him and his brothers and parents. Thoughts and prayers go out for all of you.Leroy and Karen Cortez
Lacey, AR Wednesday, November 27, 2013 we have wonderful memories of Dennis Thurman with our kids all the way thru school.you are a true friend and will be missed by our whole family.rip mr thurman.prayers for the family.Cheri Rash
Monticello, AR Wednesday, November 27, 2013 To all of the family, you are in my prayers. He was such a good influence on everyone. I don't think there is enough good anyone can say about him. He is in a better place and in no pain, and I know that doesn't ease the pain for each of you now. So, God bless and much love to you allGary Newton
Monticello, AR Wednesday, November 27, 2013 I have only known Mr Thurman for the past 5 or 6 years but it was obvious from our first meeting that to know him, was to love him. He will be sorely missed by his family, his friends and the entire community.BobbyMargaretGilliam
Shreveport, LA Wednesday, November 27, 2013 DeWayne and Judy Garland Thurman are our 1st cousins Our prayers are for all of the family I know Jack and Jane Jordon will be there, too. God Bless Dennis and All the family. So sad ,We wish you all the best at such a sad loss May
Dennis Rest in Peace. Bobby and Margaret Gilliam
and families in Louisiana
Vivian Lampkin Hope
Monticello, AR Wednesday, November 27, 2013 My prayers and thougths are with this family and may God bless and be with this family also Mr.Thurman will be miss by a lot of students and friends.Jeanie chambers scarzafava
Oneonta, NY Wednesday, November 27, 2013 Dennis will always be with us. He will continue to be present in all the lives he profoundly touched. He lives on in my heart as a wonderful high school classmate, and a true friend.Pam Gladden
Monticello, AR Wednesday, November 27, 2013Prayers for the family. He will be missed by so many.
Rickey and Ruth White
Crossett, AR Wednesday, November 27, 2013 Edith and family, our prayers are with you in the loss of Dennis. May God wrap His arms around you and surround you with love, courage, peace, grace, and strength. Dennis was a very courageous warrior of that dreaded disease. Praise God is body is no longer diseased. Love in Christ.Gary McCullars
Natchez, MS, MS Wednesday, November 27, 2013 Condolences from Gary and Joy (Morris) McCullars. I was a classmate at Drew Central 52-60 and at A&M 64-68.Sonny Jones
Monticello, AR Wednesday, November 27, 2013 Dinnis was a dear friend. He will be missed by his many friend and the community he loved so dearly.He was the most free hearted person I know.He loved to raise a large so he could give to friends.Gloria & Kaley Schwab
Bentonville,, AR Wednesday, November 27, 2013 "Death leaves a heartache no one can heal,love leaves a memory no one can steal." Many, many memories with our friend,Dennis. He touched so many lives , including ours. May God Bless you all during this very difficult time.Sarah Alice Spencer
Monticello, AR Wednesday, November 27, 2013 So sorry for your loss. Dennis was not only a cousin but a dear childhood friend. I have many fond memories of Dennis and my brother hunting and fishing and roaming the farm together, then sharing their adventures at our dinner table. . . Stories like the time they were fishing at the north pond and a duck flew over. Dennis cast his fishing line up and caught the duck! He loved his family, and was the only teenage boy I knew who would pick bouquets of wild flowers to take to his mother. He was loved by many, and will be sorely missed.Tasha Webb-Wilson
Warren, AR Wednesday, November 27, 2013 My thoughts and prayers are with the family. May God continue to wrap his loving arms around you during this time. Mr.Thurman was one of the best teachers I had. He's going to be missed.Cynthia spencer
Benton, AR Wednesday, November 27, 2013 My prayers go out to the Thurman family in your lost of a beautiful jewel. Mr. Thurman will always be in my heart.Walter & Norma Chapman
Monticello, AR Wednesday, November 27, 2013 Edith and Family, Norma and I send our prayers. Dennis and I go way back to when we caught the school bus together at Thurman's Store. He was an exceptional beloved friend and benefactor of the community. He leaves an outstanding example of service to God and his fellow man. R.I.P. Dennis...see ya' on the other side.Eddie and Patty Young
McGehee, AR Wednesday, November 27, 2013 May God give each of you the strength you need. May he wrap his arms around each of you and you feel his comfort. Prayers for each of you today and the days to come.Eddie and Patty Young
Marquita Taylor
Atlanta, GA Wednesday, November 27, 2013 Mr. Thurman will be missed and I am praying for the family.Bill Elton
Fountain Hill, AR Wednesday, November 27, 2013 Dennis was a good friend who was appreciate by his friends and fellow church members. He will be remembered by all of us.Tiara Hobbs Robinson
Greenbrier, AR Tuesday, November 26, 2013 Mr. Thurman was a great and wonderful person when I was in school. My prayers are with the family and loved ones.Kelly Savage
Fallon, NV Tuesday, November 26, 2013 Prayers are being sent for your family.Kenneth Higgins
Flippin, AR Tuesday, November 26, 2013 You taught us so much. And touched our lives. Thank you.Elizabeth Roggenbau
Melbourne, Australia, AR Tuesday, November 26, 2013 My thoughts are with all of you during this tragic time but you know that never had one man ever fought harder to stick around than your precious dad against impossible odds. But he will never leave you and will never leave anyone who knew him for the memories live on, the tenderness of them, the unique way he had of touching the lives of so many, the times of laughter, the times of tears. He left them all for each one of us and so will not be forgotten.You were so fortunate to have him as a father, Edith had a devoted and loving husband, many of us had a colleague who was always there to feed his, to humor us, to back us up in troubled times, the students had a great teacher who loved his job more than any educator I've ever known. Teaching really wasn't a job for him. It was a pleasure for him to come to school, a pleasure even for him to drive that bus, a pleasure for him to chaperone dances and parties, a pleasure for him to boost the Pirates at every home and even most of the away games. His enthusiasm and deep love for Drew Central are unmatched.
The world is a poorer place today without his physical presence but it is also a richer place because of all that he left behind.
Trinita Phillips-Newton
Monticello, AR Tuesday, November 26, 2013 To the family, you are in my thoughts and prayers. I was a former student and I was really pleased that my children got to know him as a teacher and had the pleasure to ride the Lacey route on his bus. I am going to miss seeing him at the ballgames. He was a devoted DC pirate fan. I as so many other former students have great memories of science class with Mr. Thurman. I still laugh when I think of the famous insect and flower collections. Ms. Edith and Denise, may the Lord comfort you during this time. Much love ....DC Class of '88Tara Risner Cobur
McGehee, AR Tuesday, November 26, 2013 I'm so sorry for your loss. Sending all my love to all of you!Tara & Family
Amber Baker
, AR Tuesday, November 26, 2013 Mr. Thurman was a wonderful teacher and person. He taught my dad and all of my siblings. He has left a lasting impression on my life and so many others. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and community during this time of sorrow.Carol Moore
Monticello, AR Tuesday, November 26, 2013 Our family grieves this loss for the family, the Drew Central Family and for ourselves. Dennis was a great man and will leave a void in our lives that will be hard to fill. Prayers have been said. God Bless you and hold you close during this time.Pam Leeper
Monticello, AR Tuesday, November 26, 2013 My deepest prayers go to Mr. Thurman's family. He will be missed by many because he was loved by many. He touched so many lives and made us all better for it. God Bless and strength through your pain and loss.Dennis Wells
Springdale, AR Tuesday, November 26, 2013 Sorry to hear of the passing of Dennis. He was a few years ahead of me at Drew Central but I remember him be a great person. My prayers are with the family.Caprece McCallie
Monticello, AR Tuesday, November 26, 2013 So sorry to hear. He is with God now and in no pain. May God be with you and family at this time.Ron Graham
Monticello, AR Tuesday, November 26, 2013 We will miss is energy and joy of teaching.Betty Russell
Lacey, AR Tuesday, November 26, 2013 Edith, Denise, Debra and family, I am so sorry for your loss. God has taken a great friend, neighbor and family member. Dennis will be missed so much by Tony and me. He was always checking on and helping his neighbors even through all his troubles. I can just hear him visiting with everyone in heaven because he never met a stranger. God only takes the best!Sue Harvey Hutton
Monticello, AR Tuesday, November 26, 2013 May God Bless and comfort you during this difficult time.mark and mary withers
monticello, AR Tuesday, November 26, 2013 we are so sorry for your loss! Dennis was a great teacher and friend! He will be missed bye a lot of people! RIP Dennis!Jackie Lucas Walker
McGehee, AR Tuesday, November 26, 2013 My prayers are with during this time of sorrow. Mr. Thurman was a great impact on all his students lives and we thank God for himTrudy Tucker Carrington
Rowlett, TX Tuesday, November 26, 2013 My God hold you in the palm of HIs hand and wrap His loving arms around you all. Mr. Dennis will be missed. I know that Heaven is rejoicing at his entry, while we are here saddened at his passing. I will always remember his loving, giving spirit. Rest In Peace Mr. Thurman, you are loved.Dustin Morgan RN
Houston, TX Tuesday, November 26, 2013 My dear friend, I am truly gonna miss your jokes, your laughs, and especially the good times we had in the woods "piling 'em up" (deer hunting). Learned alot with you old man!!! I can never forget you!!! Much love for you and your family.Your Houston Nurse,
Dustin Morgan RN
Martha Bennett
McGehee, AR Tuesday, November 26, 2013 All the family are in my thoughts and prayers. Mt. Thurman was truly a great example for me as a teacher.Sheila Gardner
Monticello, AR Tuesday, November 26, 2013 I was blessed to know Dennis as a coworker and a friend. He took such good care of my Uncle Joe while he was ill. He has touched the lives of so many Drew Central Students and his coworkers. Even though our hearts are heavy at the loss of Dennis, our lives are so much richer for having known him. I praise God for Dennis and the postive impact he has left behind. Praying for Edith, Dennis, Debra, and family.Cassi Boren
Monticello, AR Tuesday, November 26, 2013 Mr. Thurman was an amazing teacher, he not only made us learn but THINK. He was a man who commanded respect but also earned it. He was a fixture at Drew Central and will surely be missed by many. My prayers go out to the entire family and all the students who loved him.Marie Everett
Monticello, AR Tuesday, November 26, 2013 To the Family,A real scientist. the greatest scientist ever. WOW!!. Mr. D. Thurman his classes were so interesting , never a dull moment... the real about his classes.. we all learned so much..He is a legacy . God's blessing to everyone that shared in the life of the very best science /biology teacher in the world . Sing ye the Praises of Ole Drew Central. What a blessing in so many lives especially the Class of 1980.
lelia
monticello, AR Tuesday, November 26, 2013 I am so sorry to find out about Dennis. He will be missed very much, he is well loved and admired by everyone. Always could depend on a laugh from him. He made a great impact on alot of students lives. You are in my thoughts and prayers.Karen Pirtle Moellenberndt
Warren, AR Monday, November 25, 2013 I remember Mr. Dennis Thurman as a great teacher who always cared about his students. May God bless his family at this time.Elaine Connard
Monticello, AR Monday, November 25, 2013 My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time.Cindy Luper
Monticello, AR Monday, November 25, 2013 My prayers and deepest sympathy goes out to Edith and the family. I loved Dennis. He was an amazing man, and he will be dearly missed.Sarah Blackmon
Monticello, AR Monday, November 25, 2013 Edith, and family, My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Dennis was a very fine man, and Drew Central had no better teacher nor stronger supporter. He has fought the good fight, but for reasons we mortals can't understand, God has called him home before we were ready to give him up. Take comfort in knowing how much he was loved and respected by all who knew him.Carole (Johns) Rushing
Woodlawn, AR Monday, November 25, 2013 Edith, words can never express my sadness at learning of Dennis passing. I don't think that I've ever known finer people than you and Dennis. You know how much we loved him. Know that you are in my heart and prayers always. May God grant you the comfort and peace at this difficult time that only He can. If there is anything we can do for you or the family please let us know.Carole (Johns) & Owen Rushing
Don Johnson
Rison, AR Monday, November 25, 2013 Dear Edith and family, We will so miss our sweet Dennis, such a wonderful Christian and and friend. The community will have a deep void....our prayers and thoughts in the days ahead..
Bro Don and Mary Johnson