Dean Allen Thurnall Jr, 70, of Greenwood, Indiana, passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by family July 31, 2020.
Dean’s final moments were filled with making his family laugh, have full tummies and feel loved. One of his favorite scriptures was Nehemiah 8:10 and Nehemiah continued, “Go and celebrate with a feast of rich foods and sweet drinks, and share gifts of food with people who have nothing prepared. This is a sacred day before our Lord. Don’t be dejected and sad, for the joy of the Lord is your strength!” This scripture fits Dean’s life and last moments and message to his family.
Dean was born in Amo, Indiana April 22, 1950 to Betty Joan Wood Thurnall and Dean Allen Thurnall Sr. Dean was an Army Veteran who loved the outdoors, he liked to travel around Oregon and Northern California. Dean loved to cook, he went to culinary school and used his skills to cook for churches, friends and the homeless. He lived to love and support those in his community who were in need; he would give the shirt off his back. He loved God, making people laugh, to read, write stories and poems and letters, sing ditties to people, make jewelry, collect coins, enjoy nature, learn new things and stand up for what he believed in.
Dean was preceded in death by his father Dean Allen Thurnall Sr, his mother Betty Joan Loft and nephew Mike Thurnall.
Dean is survived by his siblings Brenda (George) Edick, Michael (Denise) Thurnall, Barbara (Earl) Lair, David (Susan) Thurnall Sr, Ora “Sonny” Thurnall, Anita “Neet” (Mike) Childers and Harry (Lisa) Thurnall; cousin Theresa Ann Bailey; children Angela (Floyd) Rimmel, Tina (Neil) Miller, Angelique Thurnall, Rachel Thurnall and David Thurnall; grandchildren Jennifer Hoyer, Stephen Broadhead, Cassidy Miller, Jordan Thurnall, Julianna Prine, Kelsey Miller, Lijah Medina, Crystal Thurnall, Carly Miller, Cecelia Ferguson and Steve Jimenez; great grandson Christopher Miller and nieces and nephews.
Dean’s final wish was to feed and spend time with his family instead of a funeral.