Thurman Lewis Stanley

Thurman Lewis Stanley, age 95, of Mt. Dora, FL, formerly of Evansville, IN, passed away on Sunday, July 28, 2024, at Cornerstone Hospice House in Tavares, FL.  

Thurman was born December 8, 1928, in Evansville, IN, to John Lewis Stanley and Nettie (Bell) Stanley.  He graduated from Central High School in 1948, and he earn his Associate Degree from Lockyear’s  Business College in 1950.  Thurman attended Waterman Village Chapel Fellowship in Mt Dora, FL, and was a past member of Grace Baptist Church in Evansville, IN.  

Thurman enjoyed reading his Bible, and he had a Strong Faith and a wonderful, positive attitude.  He loved to laugh and had an incredibly contagious smile.  He enjoyed watching Classic Movies, Old Westerns,  and Perry Mason detective shows. In his early years, he enjoyed traveling in his Motor Coach to the mountains in North Carolina, Tennessee, and his most favorite location: Florida – the Sunshine State.  He traveled on many Cruises, including Alaska. Thurman loved to sing.  He was a member of the Central High School Choir and Church Choir.  His proud accomplishment was learning to Ball Room Dance with his lovely wife, June.  

Thurman was a survivor of the Shriner's Children’s Network where he received compassionate Orthopedic Pediatric Care and life-saving medical treatments at the young age of ten.

He and his dad made the long journey by train from Evansville to the Children Hospital in St Louis, MO. The Hadi Shrine Worshipful Master came to Evansville to travel with them.  Thurman was diagnosed with Osteomyelitis, a very serious bone infection.  The Shriners Children's Hospital was instrumental in saving his life.  He was a member of the Scottish Rite Freemasonry for over 50 years and faithfully maintained his membership in the valley of Evansville.  He was a member of the Masonic Reed Lodge Local 136 Chapter and a Shriner.  He had a lifelong passion to give back to the Shriners Children’s Hospital which provides hope and care for kids to help them thrive.  

Thurman is survived by his loving daughter, Melinda Stanley Vaughn-Bisch (James Bisch), four step-children, Glenda Hazellief, Donna Hatcher, Dennis Thompson, and Kevin Thompson of Fruitland Park, FL and Tavares, FL; sister, Nancy B. Stanley-Wright; two grandchildren, Heather Gwen (Vaughn) Buchanan and Brent David Vaughn, both of Evansville, IN; nephew, John Wright of Evansville, IN; niece, Janet Stanley White of Indianapolis, IN; and cousin Rev. Roy Thornton Stanley of Sebree, KY. 

Thurman is preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Cynthia “Cindy” Ann Stanley; and brother, James D. Stanley.

A Commemorative Ceremony will be held for Thurman’s Family and Friends at 4:15 p.m., Tuesday, August 20, 2024, at the Masonic Temple by the Freemasonry Brotherhood and Shriners, 301 Chestnut Street, Evansville, IN.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the Evansville Hadi Shriners Mission for helping children. Donations may be made online at hadishrine.org/donations or mailed to 6 Walnut Street, Evansville, Indiana 47708.

Boone Funeral Home East Chapel – A Family Tradition Funeral Home, 5330 Washington Avenue, Evansville, IN, is handling the arrangements and is honored to serve the family of Thurman Stanley. Condolences may be made to the family online at boonefuneralhome.net

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