On Friday, November 27th, 2009, our beloved John Evan Thurman of Mankin Avenue died at 9:40 a.m. at the Beckley Appalachian Regional Hospital following a short illness. He was 55 years of age. Evan, the son of the late Delbert and Mary Mulcay Thurman, was born on January 13, 1954, the youngest of three children. He was a lifelong resident of Beckley. A 1972 graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School, he graduated from West Virginia University in 1976 with a degree in journalism. Evan Thurman had a lifelong passion for all things “Mountaineer.” He was a member of the Delta Tau Delta fraternity and maintained strong ties with his brothers throughout his life. A senior tax appraiser for the WV State Tax Commission, he had 30 years of service with the state. A lifelong and dedicated member of the First Baptist Church, he taught Sunday school and sang in the chancel choir. Evan was a good Christian man who loved the Lord. We rejoice in the knowledge that he is forever at home with the Savior he faithfully served. An avid sports fan, Evan had a great enthusiasm for the Cincinnati Reds and his beloved Mountaineers. He loved the beauty and serenity of the mountains of West Virginia. At the end of the day when we remember Evan Thurman, we will recall an individual who was willing to help his family and friends and loved them unconditionally. He was a fun-loving, energetic friend to all. “His Memory is Blessed.” Left to cherish those memories are his sisters, Ellen Thurman Warder of Murrells Inlet, S.C., and Elaine Thurman (Jerry) Hummel of Gainesville, Ga.; his extended family, Holly, Teddy and Zach Browning of Charlotte, N.C., Lynn, Victor and Maddie Alomar of Virginia Beach, Va., Jeremy (Shannon) Hummel, Brooke Hummel, Savannah and Landon Greene all of Gainesville, Patrick Hummell, Key Largo, Fla., Major Chris (Susie) Hummel, Gerad, Katie and Karis Hummel all of San Antonio, Texas, Dr. Laura Hummel of Seneca, S.C.; and his dear companion and friend Doris Lilly who never left Evan’s side during his last days. A Service of Celebration and Remembrance will be held today at 4 p.m. at the First Baptist Church, 422 Neville Street, Beckley, with Rev. Dr. Phillip Smith officiating. The family will receive friends from 2 p.m. until the hour of the services. The family suggests that memorials be made to: Animal Rescue, Friends for Life Inc., RR2 Box 271, Lewisburg, WV 24901. And so now we must bid you goodbye, dear Evan. “If love alone could have saved you, you never would have died.” Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.meltonmortuary.com. Arrangements by Melton Mortuary, Inc., Beckley, W.Va.