Arthur Edward Thurston

It is with a great sadness that I share that Arthur Edward Thurston passed away on May 31, 2025 at Starglow Residential Care Home in Sacramento, California following a long illness. Art was born on November 3, 1943 in Granite City, Illinois and was the eldest son of Arthur and Myrtle Thurston of that same city.

Art graduated from Granite City high school in 1962 and joined the US Air Force where he served at LACKLAND AFB, Texas, SHEPPARD AFB, Texas and WHEELUS AFB, Libya. Upon being honorably discharged from the US Air Force, Art started his 20 year banking career with Bank of America and worked his way up to Assistant Vice President. He chose to accept an early retirement package from the bank when they reorganized and went to work for California Capital making small business loans. When the computer era started Art developed a keen interest in computers and while still working full time, went back to night school at UC Davis and obtained his Novell Certification in computer technology. He accepted a position with McGeorge School of Law as a computer technician and worked for them for several years. Due to some health issues, Art retired early at the age of 62.

Art had a deep love for working on and restoring old cars. He restored a 1956 Corvette that we used for our wedding and honeymoon in 1982. He was also very fond of all animals, most especially cats. He seemed to be the pied piper of cats as wherever we went, if a cat was around they always seemed to follow him for attention. He loved football, camping in our trailer and music, especially if it was country.

Art married the love of his life, Lillian in 1982 and became an instant step-father to her 10 year old daughter Laura.

Art is preceded in death by his parents, Arthur Edwin Thurston and Myrtle Naomi Thurston and his grandparents, Allie Edward Thurston and Minnie Stevens and William Bland and Lola Catherine Caller and his uncle and aunt, Virgil Thurston and Dovie Thurston.

Art is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Lillian Thurston, step-daughter, Laura Cline, brother, Dennis Thurston (Tracy), niece Elizabeth Siegel (Brett), uncles David Thurston (Joni), Philip Thurston (Peggy), his aunt, Lois Peterson and many cousins.

A memorial service will be held at Faith Presbyterian Church, 625 Florin Road, Sacramento, CA. 95831 on Friday, August 15th at 1:00 P.M.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to Faith Presbyterian Church.