Thurman Lee August 16, 1934 - May 28, 2026

Thurman Lee, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, proud veteran, and dedicated public servant, passed away peacefully at the age of 91. Born on August 16, 1934, in Oakley, Idaho, Thurman was the seventh of ten children born to Edward Lee and Rhoda Paskett Lee. His life was defined by an unshakeable work ethic, a deep love for his family, a sharp mind for mechanics, and a lifelong devotion to his faith.

Early Life, Music, and a Passion for Cars

Growing up in Oakley, Thurman was an adventurous boy who knew every corner of his small hometown. In his youth, he developed a lifelong fascination with cars—a passion that began with restoring a barn-find 1921 Ford Model T and a 1928 Chrysler Coupe.

Thurman was also an accomplished musician. In high school, determined to buy a $120 new trumpet his family couldn’t afford, he spent 12 days picking 200 sacks of potatoes a day at five cents a sack to earn the money. His dedication paid off, earning him the first-chair trumpet in the high school band and a spot playing in a college dance band. He also served as the vice president of his senior class and played football and basketball.

Military Service and Miracles in Germany

To fund the remainder of his education, Thurman volunteered for the Army draft, serving in the Army Flight Detachment. He was trained at the aircraft mechanics school in San Marcos, Texas, before being stationed in Stuttgart, Germany.

His time in the military was marked by what he called “near miracles,” including a narrow escape from a fatal aircraft training crash after a sudden intuition told him not to board. He also fondly remembered an airshow in the Netherlands where his assignment was to throw fresh-cut tulips out of an airplane as they flew over the grandstand of the Dutch Queen.

Family, Career, and Travels

In the late summer of 1952, Thurman met the love of his life, Sharon. By their second date, he knew he wanted to marry her. The couple wed on September 30, 1955, and began their 61-year journey together as students at Utah State University. Thurman graduated in June 1958 with a degree that launched a distinguished 30-year career in federal service and engineering.

Thurman’s career as an engineer, logistics expert, and manager took his growing family across the globe. He designed test fixtures for the BOMARC Anti-Aircraft missile ramjet at the Marquardt Corporation in Ogden, worked as an Engineering Technician at the Tooele Army Depot, and served as the equipment manager at the Rocky Mountain Arsenal in Denver. In 1979, he fulfilled a promise to take Sharon back to Germany, where he served as the plant manager and CEO of a military tire retread plant in Pfungstadt. He concluded his career at the Tank Automotive Command (TACOM) in Michigan, a role that saw him make 80 professional trips, including journeys to South Korea and back to Germany.

Together, Thurman and Sharon raised five children: Brenda, Diana, Lori, Bruce, and Peggy. They we later blessed with 13 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild.

Faith and Community Service

A lifelong, deeply active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Thurman served in numerous capacities, including Young Men’s President, Sunday School teacher, ward clerk, high councilor, and multiple times as a counselor in various bishoprics. He spent countless hours driving long distances to temples in Washington D.C., Chicago, Toronto, and Switzerland to perform sacred ordinances.

In retirement, he found great joy serving as a volunteer worker in the baptistry of the Provo Temple.

Retirement and Devotion

Thurman “pulled the plug” on his career in October 1992, retiring at age 58. He and Sharon moved to Spanish Fork, Utah, where Thurman put his hands to work building and finishing a beautiful basement for their new home. Ever active, he took a part-time job shuffling cars for Enterprise Rent-a-Car just to stay busy.

In his later years, Thurman’s absolute devotion was on display as he lovingly cared for Sharon through a myriad of severe health challenges. He cherished every minute of their time together until her passing on September 21, 2016. Thurman spent his final years living independently before transitioning to Legacy House in Spanish Fork.

Thurman will be remembered for his quick wit, his meticulous mental list of the 23 cars he owned throughout his life, his capability to build or fix anything, and the quiet, miraculous ways protection and blessings followed him.

A Graveside Service will be held for Thurman on Saturday, June 20, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at the Spanish Fork City Cemetery located at 420 South 400 East, Spanish Fork, Utah.