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Thurman Fussell, 85, of Woodward, passed away on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, in Woodward.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 14, 2025, at St. Peter's Catholic Church. A Prayer Vigil and Rosary will take place at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 12, 2025, also at St. Peter's. Arrangements are under the direction of Billings Funeral Home.
Thurman Bryce Fussell was born on June 23, 1939, in Mooreland, Oklahoma, to Clarence Clyde and Violet Mae (Stoll) Fussell. He grew up in Mooreland and graduated from Mooreland High School in 1957. While in school, Thurman was active in 4-H, FFA, choir, and band, and earned a music scholarship to attend Oklahoma City University.
On July 31, 1965, Thurman married Judith Wilcox. Together, they raised four children: Margaret, Sally, Troy, and Roxie. From a previous marriage to Rita Jean Engel, Thurman was also blessed with two daughters, Cindy Seaman and Tammy Crawford.
Thurman spent the majority of his life in Mooreland but also lived in Oklahoma City, Stillwater, and Woodward. Most of his professional career was 34 years at Northwestern Electric Cooperative, where he served as Director of Public and Member Relations. In 1995, he became the first employee of an Oklahoma Rural Electric Cooperative to receive the "Good Neighbor" Meritorious Service Award. In 2001, he was inducted into the Oklahoma MR-PR Marketing Hall of Fame for his outstanding service and contributions to the state's rural electric cooperatives. He also earned multiple state honors for his writing and work on the Northwestern Electric News.
Thurman had a true entrepreneurial spirit. At age 19, he purchased the Mooreland Café. One of his favorite jobs was working at Trego's Men's Wear. He also operated a wallpaper-hanging business and, after retiring, launched a landscaping and pond design company called Design Specialties.
Deeply committed to his community, Thurman served on numerous boards and organizations, including the High Plains Outreach Center, Plains Indian and Pioneer Museum, Area Agency for Aging, Oklahoma Home-Based Business Association, Woodward and Mooreland Jaycees, Woodward Arts Theatre Board, Woodward Civic Light Opera, and the Woodward County Ambulance Board. He often emceed community events and participated in local choirs and theatrical productions.
A devout Catholic, Thurman was a lifelong member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Mooreland, serving as Director of Music and Cantor since 1971. Even while living in Stillwater, he would frequently return to Mooreland on weekends to lead music at Sacred Heart, while also staying involved at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Stillwater.
In 1998, Thurman received one of his most cherished honors when he was nominated by Fr. Ed Manasco and approved by the Archbishop of Oklahoma City for knighthood in the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem, one of the oldest orders in the Catholic Church, upon recommendation to Pope John Paul II.
Thurman is survived by his children: Margaret Brittan, Sally Miller and husband Darrell, Troy Fussell and wife Hyonhui, Roxie Emunson and husband Daniel, Cindy Seaman, Tammy Crawford
Grandchildren:
Timothy Brittain and wife Anne Danielczyk, Lyle
Brittain, DeLanda Brittain-Asher and husband Derrick, Devin Miller, Daren
Miller and wife Chonda, Ethan Fussell, Ellie Fussell, Codie Emunson and wife
LeighAnna, Carson McElroy and husband Camdyn, Austin Emunson, Angela Kinney
and husband Drew, Brittany Crawford, and Chance Crawford
Great-grandchildren:
Samantha Brittain, Penelope Asher, Abbagail
Asher, Jaxon Miller, Jase Miller, Chloe Miller, Cashton Dees, Nathan
Crawford, Sam Crawford, Lucas Crawford, Payden Crawford, Caydie Crawford,
Scarlett Crawford and Riley Crawford
He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother J. Lynn Fussell, and son-in-law Sam Brittain.
Memorial contributions may be made to Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Mooreland. The funeral home will be accepting donations on behalf of the family.
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