Ralph Thurston's Obituary
Ralph Stephen Thurston, son of Ralph and Doris Wagner Thurston, was born April 11, 1957, in Benton Harbor, Michigan. He departed this life Monday, July 25, 2011, in his home, near Falcon, Missouri, at the age of fifty-four years, three months, and fourteen days. He was preceded in death by his mother; and a son, Ryean Thurston. ?Steve?, as he was called by his family and friends, is survived by three sons, James Stover, and Michelle Warren, of Rogers, Arkansas, Levi Thurston, and Alicia Hawthorne, and Cody Stover, and Jessica Nemeth, all of Joplin, Missouri; three daughters, Adria Robinson, Leesha Robinson, and Cheyenne Robinson, all of Lebanon, Missouri; seven grandchildren, Jesse, Trevor, Christiane, Sean, Gage, Alec, and Dominick; his father, Ralph Thurston, of Watervliet, Michigan; a sister, Sheila Hayhurst, of Watervliet, Michigan; several nieces and nephews; as well as a host of other relatives and friends. He was born and raised in Michigan, and graduated from high school there. He then moved to Joplin, Missouri, where he worked for the Missouri Steel Castings Company for fifteen years. He moved to Arkansas, and began a sixteen year career with Wal Mart, most recently working in the distribution center in St. Robert, Missouri. He had made his home near Falcon, Missouri, for the last seven years. Steve had attended Harvest Tabernacle ? United Pentecostal Church in Lebanon, and had played on their softball team. He truly loved being outdoors where his favorite activities were hunting, fishing, riding horses, and playing softball. He loved all things Western and particularly liked horses. While living in the Joplin, Missouri area, he had served on the Carl Junction Volunteer Fire Department. He had a tendency to be a bit stubborn, but was a good hearted, generous man, that enjoyed helping others. He loved his family dearly and especially enjoyed his grandchildren. Steve was a loving father, grandfather, son, brother, and uncle, and was a caring neighbor and friend. We celebrate his life and know that he will be fondly remembered and greatly missed.
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