Thurman Eugene Speakman

Thurman Eugene Speakman, 83, of Kingston, passed peacefully Tuesday, August 6, 2024, at Adena Regional Hospital, surrounded by his family.

Thurman was born on October 26, 1940, in Ross County, to the late Thurman Speakman and Helen (Nier) Speakman. He had five siblings. On January 21, 1961, Thurman married Dora Jane Coey, the love of his life. He was married for 63 years to Dora. They have three children, Debra (James McGinnis Jr), Raymond (Juliana), and William Joseph (Lynn).

They have 10 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren: James McGinnis III (wife Jennifer; children, Lydia and James IV), Tammy Weber (husband Zach; children, Savannah—her children, Grayson and Brantley--RJ and Caitlyn), Hannah Karshner (children, Landan and Cole), Caleb Euguene and Lloyd Eugene, Martha (husband, Richie; son, Zachary), Sarah (husband, Rod; children, Addisyn, Tristan and Lynnley), Rebekah (husband, Andrew; children, Bryson, Avery and Finn), Joe (fiancé', Heather; daughters, Joselyn and Presley) and Ryan (wife, Sara; children, Adi, Kai, Gabe and Jessup). Thurman is also survived by many nieces and nephews who were very special to him.

Thurman attended Centralia High School.  After school, Thurman worked several years for Duffy Electric and Machine Works before starting his own business as a plumber and electrician and other home maintenance repairs. He prided himself on always being able to be there for his customers day and night and always doing the job affordably. Thurman never spent time inside, he always found things to do in his workshop, garage or his bee building as he was an avid beekeeper as well.

He was a start up member of the Harrison Township Fire Department serving in roles from fire fighter all the way up to Chief.  He was a member of the Ross County Firefighters Association. Thurman served multiple terms as a Harrison Township Trustee.

Thurman was known to the community to never say no. He always helped in every way possible. He was big on commitment, if he gave you his word, he kept it.

Thurman loved his wife and his family and his community. Multiple nieces and nephews came to him as though he were their parent for advice in life, learning and how to fix things. He was an avid hunter, loved spending time outside and loved spending time with his children and grandchildren. He loved to preserve and consume the animals he harvested.

Thurman is survived by his wife Dora, one brother Skip and one brother-in-law Lloyd as well as his children and grandchildren. Thurman was preceded in death by two brothers, George and Charles and two sisters, Eileen and Vicky.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, August 12, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at the HILL FUNERAL HOME, Kingston with Rev. Bruce Hines officiating. Burial will follow in Londonderry Cemetery, Londonderry. Immediately following the graveside service, the family will receive guests at Londonderry Old School (4923 Vigo Road, Londonderry, Ohio) where light refreshments will be served. The family will receive friends Sunday from 4 - 6 p.m. at Hill's. Condolences and floral gifts can be made on Thurman's online guest registry at www.hillfhkingston.com.