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Paul Edward Thurmond, known to all as Ed, passed away peacefully on September 1st at Liza's Place, where he entered into the loving arms of his Savior, Jesus Christ.
Ed was born on September 15, 1941, in Phoenix, Arizona, to the late Paul W. Thurmond and Emma (Lindquist) Thurmond. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Sandy (Hawkins) Thurmond, in 1995.
He is survived by his loving wife of 20 years, Janice (Higbee) Thurmond; his brother, James Thurmond of Durango, Colorado; his son, William E. Thurmond of Colorado; his adopted son, John Gast of Colorado; and his daughters, Trisha Sanders of Texas, Kelley Schiffer (Jeff) of Wheeling, West Virginia, and Kari Saunders (Eric) of St. Clairsville, Ohio.
Ed was a proud grandfather to Alexander, Connor, and Matthew Schiffer; Brody and Ava Saunders; Ryann and Alishya Thurmond; and Sterling and Das Sanders.
Ed was raised on a ranch in Lusk, Wyoming, and proudly considered himself a "good old cowboy." He earned his CPA degree from Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado, and served in the National Guard during the Vietnam War.
In his late 30s, Ed felt the calling of the Lord to enter the ministry. With the guidance and encouragement of his wonderful mentor and dear friend, Dr. Rev. Terry Downin, who had been a part of his life for more than 40 years, Ed returned to school and earned his Master's Degree in Divinity from Findlay College in Findlay, Ohio.
Ed pastored several churches before arriving in Wheeling, West Virginia, in 1997 following the death of his wife, Sandy. He became interim minister at St. John's United Church of Christ, now known as Centre Wheeling Fellowship, and later became their full-time minister, serving faithfully for 18 years. During his ministry, he was introduced to his wife, Janice, through a friend at the church.
For two years, Ed helped with Vacation Bible School at Friends Church. He became especially loved by the children, teaching them a special "password" as they walked by: "Jesus loves you." The children could hardly wait to pass by Ed, share the phrase with him, and give him a high five.
Even near the end of his life, Ed never stopped being a pastor at heart. Just three weeks before his passing, while he himself was a patient in the emergency room, he saw another patient in horrific pain. True to who he was, Ed reached out, prayed with her, and offered her comfort.
Ed's family will miss him dearly, but they find comfort in knowing that he is at peace with his Lord. His life was one of faith, service, love.
"Jesus loves you."
Schuetz Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.
To leave a condolence visit www.schuetzfuneralhome.com.