Danny LaVerne Thurman

Danny LaVerne Thurman was born on October 21, 1937 in Avon, IL to his parents LaVerne and Martha (Shumaker) Thurman.  He passed away on December 6, 2016 in Cape Coral, FL at the age of 79. 

Danny is survived by his loving wife of 57  years, Geraldine M. (Kreiger) Thurman; children Jama of Ft. Myers, FL., Stephen (Julie Nussmeier) of Brimfield, IL., Michael (Tammy Taggart) of Cape Coral, FL.; grandchildren Nicole, Connor, Stephanie, and Logan; and his sister Sharron of Galesburg, IL.

Dan worked several years in marine construction and then for 35 years at Caterpillar, Inc. where he retired as a Staff Engineer in 1997.  He served on the Technical Division Board and on the Board of Directors of the American Gear Manufacturers Association.  He also represented the United States as their delegate to the International Standards Association, Technical Committee 32.  He served as chairman of several other US gear and spline technical committees and was a Technical Editor for Gear Technology magazine.

Dan was an alderman on the Peoria, IL City Council from 1969-1973.

After retiring, he and his wife moved to Franklin, NC where they spent their summers, and to Cape Coral, FL. where they spent their winters.  He loved fishing, boating and spending time with his children and grandchildren.

A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, December 27, 2016 at 1:00 pm at the Lyon’s Cemetery in Fulton County, IL. In lieu of flowers you may make a donation to the National Parkinson’s Foundation (www.parkinson.org), The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (www.michaeljfox.org), and Hope Hospice (www.hopehospice.org) in memory of Dan.  A Memorial Celebration of Dan's life will be held at New Hope Presbyterian Church, Ft. Myers, FL at a later date. Online condolences may be sent through www.hurd-hendricksfuneralhomes.com