Bruce E. Thurston

Bruce E. Thurston, 71, of Shelbyville passed away Monday, May 27, 2019 at his home. He was born November 21, 1947, in Shelbyville, the son of Franklin Pierce and Ketha Yevonne (Andrews) Thurston. Bruce is survived by his sisters, Bonnie Garlitch and husband, John, and Patty Yantiss and husband, Kevin, all of St. Paul; brother, Jeffery Thurston of Shelbyville; niece, Shannon Farley; nephews, John Garlitch III, Michael Garlitch and Jason Yantiss; 11 great-nieces and great-nephews; and good friend, Melanie Harrison of Shelbyville. He was preceded in death by his parents. Bruce graduated from Shelbyville High School in 1966. He was a U.S. Army veteran, stationed in Germany, during the Vietnam War. Bruce formerly worked at KCL Corporation for over 35 years, and retired from Great States in 2005. He was a very active member of the Westside Wesleyan Church. Bruce had a beautiful singing voice, he sang at church and many weddings thru the years. Bruce enjoyed watching IU basketball and collecting Indian artifacts. He also enjoyed hunting and raising coon dogs. Bruce loved his family and cherished the time he spent with them. He also leaves behind his dog, Bob. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to noon Thursday, May 30, 2019 at the Westside Wesleyan Church, 535 Dunn Avenue in Shelbyville. Funeral services will be at noon Thursday at the church, with Rev. Harvey Weaver officiating. Interment will be in Miller Cemetery in Shelby County. Services have been entrusted to Freeman Family Funeral Homes and Crematory, 819 S. Harrison St. in Shelbyville. Memorial contributions may be made to the Shelbyville-Shelby County Animal Shelter, 705 Hale Road, Shelbyville, Indiana 46176. Online condolences may be shared with Bruce’s family at www.freemanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.