John William Thurmond, 83

John William Thurmond, 83, passed away March 15, 2022, at the Libby Care Center with family and friends gathered around him. He was born on June 5, 1939, to Cecil William and Mae Rose Thurmond in East St. Louis, Ill. He was saved at Faith Baptist Church in Godfry, Ill.

John attended University of Southern Illinois and received a bachelor’s degree. He met Cleona Iris Schilling, a fellow student, there and after a two-year courtship they were married in 1961. They had three children: Barry Wayne, John Eugene and Suzanne Elizabeth.

John later attended the Baptist Bible College in Springfield, Mo., and received a graduate degree in theology. He was ordained Feb. 6, 1976. He served as pastor to two churches, Rogers Baptist Church in Rogers, Ark., and the Southern Baptist Church in Troy, Mo.

He loved preaching the Gospel and sports. He loved to coach young kids, most of all in basketball. When John stood up, it was easy to see why basketball was his favorite.

John and Cleona moved to Libby in 2011.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Cecil and Mae, and his two sons, Barry Wayne and John Eugene.

Survivors include his wife of 61 years, Cleona; daughter, Suzanne Kropp (John); grandson, Anthony; all of Libby; a brother, Robert Thurmond (Charlene); and a sister, Rebecca (Ron), Troy, Ill.

Visitation was on March 19 at the Schnackenberg Funeral Home in Libby. Services were held March 20 at Libby Baptist Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hope International Ministries, Inc., 11415 Hope International Drive, Tampa, FL, 33625-3963 or to a favorite charity.

Arrangements are by Schnackenberg Funeral Home in Libby. Online condolences and memories may be made at www.schnackenbergfh.com.