CLARENCE THURSTON

Mr. Clarence Raye Thurston was born December 6, 1944 in Ogden, Arkansas to Alex Thurston and Narvelle Moore. He attended Little River School in Ashdown, Arkansas and later the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. He joined the U.S. Army on Sept 21, 1966 and served two years earning a National Defense Service Medal and a Vietnam Campaign Medal w/device 60, Marksman Badge (14) and the Vietnam Service Medal. He was honorably discharge September 13, 1968. He settled down in Oakland, CA where he retired as an engineer with Amtrak Railroad. Relocating to Seattle, Washington, he continued to work his engineering skill. After his second retirement from his labor, he relocated back to home in Ogden, Arkansas where he lived a quiet life and always kept in touch with close family members. He developed and fought the cancer disease for many years until he succumbed, July 9, 2022. Preceding him in death were his parents; one sister, Mary Thurston Rowe, two brothers, Alex Thurston and Bennie Joe Thurston; two nieces, Peggy Thurston and Wilma Stamps Johnson; five nephews, Standley and Kenneth Thurston. He leaves a legacy of precious memories of his loved ones, which includes, Two sisters: Dorothy Stamps and Erma Faye Venable; Nieces: Marian Stamps Bellamy and Monique Stamps Dilwoorth; Nephew: Ralph Thurston. He also leaves a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends. Visitation will be at Lyles Funeral Home Wednesday, 3:00-5:00 P.M. Graveside services will be Thursday, 1:00 P.M. Armstrong Cemetery, Odgen, AR with Rev. Henry Keener officiating. Interment to follow at Armstrong Cemetery under direction of Lyles Funeral Home, Inc.