Obituary of Gene H. Thurston

Gene H. Thurston “Loving Husband, Father, Grandpa and G G Pa” Allegany– Gene H. Thurston, 81, of 3974 Route 417 Colonial Village passed away peacefully Thursday (August 30, 2007) at his home. Born December 22, 1925 in Stockbridge, NY, he was the son of Irving and Flossie True Thurston. In 1958 at the First Baptist Church in Olean he married Grace Downer who survives. Mr. Thurston was a Staff Sergeant in the U.S. Army Air Force during WWII having served in the European Theater. After serving in the military, he graduated from Oneida High School. He was first employed for NYS DOT in the maintenance department. Later he worked for Cooper Power Systems for 38 years as a supervisor. He also worked part time for Marra Brothers Co. Mr. Thurston was a 50 year plus member of the First Baptist Church Choir in Olean where he also served as a Deacon and was on the Search Committee and Mission Board. He also was a member of the Olean Barber Shop Quartet. He enjoyed all sports, especially watching The Buffalo Sabres, Buffalo Bills and the Pittsburgh Pirates. He enjoyed bowling and playing golf and was a member of the St. Bonaventure Geritol League. Mr. Thurston also liked to play table games with his grandhchildren and friends and to spend time with his dog Betsy. He delivered for Meals on Wheels for many years as well as volunteered as a driver and companion for an elderly couple. He spent many winters with his wife and friends in Zephyrhills Florida. He will be missed by all and they will especially miss his whistle. Surviving besides his wife are three children Kevin (Edwina) Thurston of Oceanside CA, Barbara (Ron) Graf of Elgin IL, and Janice (Patrick) Collins of Franklinville; 9 grandchildren;1 great-grandchild; 2 step grandchildren; 2 step great-grandchildren; 1 brother Clinton (Ruth) Thurston of Oneida and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by 3 brothers Herman Thurston, Merton Thurston and Harold Thurston and 1 grandson Timothy Thurston. Friends are invited to attend a military burial service to be held on Saturday (September 8, 2007) at 10 am at the Allegany Cemetery. A memorial service will follow at the First Baptist Church in Olean at 11am. Rev. Dan !McDowell, pastor, will officiate. Memorials if desired can be made to the First Baptist Church of Olean, Attn: Music Department and Elevator Fund, Olean General Hospital, Cuba Memorial Hospital or to the New Life Christian School 102 W. Forest St. Olean, NY 14760. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Casey, Halwig, and Hartle Funeral Home 3128 W. State Road, Olean.