Thurman H. Deen

Thurman Deen, 80, of Gatesville passed away on December 16, 2010 at a local care center. Graveside Services will be at 12:00 Noon on Monday, December 20, 2010 at Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Killeen. Visitation will be from 2-4 PM on Sunday at the funeral home. Mr. Deen was born on July 1, 1930 in Searcy, AR to the late Thurman and Ruth Brandon Deen. Thurman grew up on a cotton farm in Arkansas before joining the Air Force. After serving for 4 years in the Air Force he moved to Arizona and attended ASU completing his bachelor’s and master’s degree. Thurman taught elementary school in the Sunny Slope School District in Phoenix, AZ and retired from Palm Springs School District in Morongo Valley, CA. In 1963 he married Patricia O’Bannon in Phoenix, AZ. He loved to travel, especially after he retired in 1985. In 2000, Thurman and Patricia moved to Gatesville to be near family. He loved to work in his workshop and work in genealogy. Thurman is survived by his wife of 47 years, Patricia Deen of Gatesville; daughters, Patricia Amos and husband Mike of Georgia and Jennifer Platt and husband Christopher of Gatesville; brothers, Charles Deen and Donald Deen both of Searcy, AR; 8 grandchildren and 1 great granddaughter.