John C. Thurber, Sr., 88, of Deep Creek in Port Charlotte, Florida, died Friday, September 29, 2017, at Fawcett Memorial Hospital in Port Charlotte.

John was born April 24, 1929, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, to the late Russell and Gertrude Thurber. John, who attended Most Precious Blood Catholic School and went on to graduate from Central Catholic School of Fort Wayne, joined the military out of school, and was a veteran of the Korean War, serving with the United States Army Airborne. Returning home following his military service, John then met and married the love of his life, Carol E. Hershberger, and together they began their family, raising four children. During this time, John worked for the Dana Corporation, and later for General Electric, for whom he worked for 25 years before retiring. John and Carol, moving from their long time home in Fort Wayne, retired to the Punta Gorda, Port Charlotte area, in 1997. A devoted family man, John loved spending personal time with his wife and family. An avid outdoorsmen however, John made sure to save time to spend in Florida’s sun filled days Golfing, and Fishing. John also loved to play Bingo when he could, and was a long time member of the American Legion.

He is survived by his beloved wife of more than 64 years, Carol E. Thurber; daughters, Karen S. (Spouse – Rick) Wells of Venice, FL, and Diana (Spouse – Dean) Ludwig of Ft. Wayne, IN; sons, John C. Thurber, Jr. (Fiancé Laurie Brolowicz) of Punta Gorda, FL, and Lawrence (Spouse – Rhonda) Thurber of Ft. Wayne, IN; 8 grandchildren, Ursula, Kenny, Jaime, Colton, Dan Lauren, Michael, and Ginny; 8 great grandchildren and 1 great, great grandchild; sisters, Cony (Spouse – Tom) Loftus, and Linda (Spouse – Dan) Seal; brother, Daniel (Spouse – Carol) Thurber, many nieces, nephews, and extended family members, and his beloved dog, Major. In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by sisters, Pat and Marsha, and son-in-law, Jim Krauskopf.

A private remembrance will be held by the Thurber family for John. No public services are planned at this time.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to assist John’s family are suggested to Carol E. Thurber, in care of Karen S. Wells at 20308 Reale Circle, Venice, FL 34293.

Friends may visit online at www.robersonfh.com to extend condolences to the family. Arrangements are by Roberson Funeral Homes & Crematory Port Charlotte Chapel.