William Thurman Obituary

To the Thurman family, My mother and I appreciate the card you sent her, and we still miss Bill more than ever. Again I and my mother are sorry for your loss.

Erin and Wanda

Our Prayers and thoughts are with all of you at this time, but knowing he is in a better place may be some confort to your family

OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH THE THURMAN FAMILY AT THIS DIFFICULT TIME

To the Thurman Family



My name is Erin Gardner who is the daughter of Wanda Vandevender Bills last companion. While Bill had lived with us in Brazil Indiana, I got to know him a little bit, I know that he loved my mother and she loved him very much as well. I know he made my mother happy, and I was very grateful for that, he also loved my daughter who will be 4 months on the 19th, he loved kids and was great with them. I am truely sorry for everyones loss, we will never forget him.

We love ya Bill-rest in peace

Love Erin, Wanda, and baby Linsey

If I had my way, before they played a ballgame today there would be a moment to notice the silence. Those who consider baseball just a silly game wouldn't notice the difference, but there is a quiet roar somewhere that just isn't there anymore. Like Puff who quietly slipped into a cave, raining scales should stop the first pitch today if just for a while. Willie hadn't hit a homerun in some time, or chased a fly ball to the wall but he didn't miss it when somebody else did. From opening day to the best post-season he ever saw, including every nephews little league game inbetween the replays of games that went before, Billy loved baseball. He loved it for the poetry, for the statistics and for the hope that every spring brings. We shared that. He loved music too, we shared some of that. We grew up together dreaming schemes that I'll treasure forever. We never slept much in our day, and the silliest things could keep us awake. Bill told stories like his dad, with passion for the listener, especially when he told ghost stories. He loved Halloween for many reasons and was haunted by the spirit of the day his entire life, even more so as he got older. He was a grand uncle, a loving brother and son, a presence on stage, and always a true and loyal dear friend. His gentle spirit attracted children in need of a caring word and I feel sorry for them more than myself today. I loved that about him.



Bill never made me cry before, he only made me smile. I miss him today for what was, what could or should have been an extra inning game. In a much much longer season.



I see Bill standing on the outskirts of a cornfield in Iowa. Bill is getting ready to take some swings. He'll step out of the rows and rows of endless corn stalks, smelling cut grass and leather. It's a warm sun in a high sky and theres just enough clouds to allow outfielders an even chance of negotiating flyballs. When he gets his turn at the plate I know he'll call out his shot in a Ruthian tribute, and just before Walter Big Train Johnson blows a fastball by him, if it truly is heaven and dreams come true... he'll take time out to play catch with his dad then he'll go to the booth announce the game and keep score. (something he was insanley good at)



I'll miss you Bill.

The Thurman Family,

My thoughts and prayers are with you during these difficult days ahead.