Robert "Bob" Wayne Thurman
January 13, 1953 ~ February 4, 2025
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Robert "Bob" Wayne Thurman, 72, born January 13, 1953, in Blackwell, Oklahoma, died, February 4, 2025, at his home in Wichita, Kansas, surrounded by his loved ones.
Bob was the youngest of three children born to Fern and Arlene Thurman. His early years were marked by several moves due to his father's work for the Frisco railroad, until the family settled in Arkansas City, Kansas in 1963. Excelling in school, baseball and football, Bob graduated from Ark City High School in 1971.
Bob earned his associate degree from Cowley County Community College before moving to Wichita to complete his Bachelor's in Business at Wichita State University in 1976. While at WSU, he began working part-time as a loan officer at Credit Union of America (CUA) in 1975. His exceptional dedication and leadership skills propelled him to the position of CUA President in 1981. Under his vision and guidance, the organization grew from 22 employees to over 225, solidifying its position as the second-largest credit union in Kansas.
In the midst of his professional ascent, Bob met the love of his life Karen Smith in 1975. They married on June 18, 1977, and their union was blessed with three children. Bob retired from CUA in 2018 after a remarkable 43-year career marked by exemplary leadership, service, and significant contributions to the credit union movement.
Outside of his professional life, Bob was a man of many hobbies. He enjoyed golfing, fishing, reading, traveling, and carpentry. Above all, he treasured spending quality time with his wife, children, grandchildren, and friends. Bob was philanthropic with Children's Miracle Network, Via Christi Foundation, Ascension Lutheran church, and fraternity Sigma Phi Epsilon.
Bob is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Karen (Smith) Thurman; his children, Derek Thurman (Danielle), Dustin Thurman, and Brittany Hagar (Jared); his beloved grandchildren, Aubrey Thurman, Danielle "Dani" Thurman, Sophie Hagar, and Stephen Robert Thurman; and his sisters, Karen Goatley and Kathie Thurman.
Visitation will be held on Monday, February 10th, 2025, from 6:00pm to 8:00pm at Downing & Lahey West Mortuary, 10515 W. Maple, Wichita, KS. A service celebrating Bob's life will take place at Ascension Lutheran Church at 10:00 am on Tuesday, February 11th, 2025, 842 N Tyler Road, Wichita, KS.
In lieu of flowers or other gifts, the family kindly requests donations be made to Children's Miracle Network, Attn: Ascension Via Christi - Wichita, 205 West 700 South, Salt Lake City, Utah 84101 donate.childrensmiraclenetworkhospitals.org or Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice, 313 South Market, Wichita, KS 67202, www.hynesmemorial.org/ways-to-donate#, in Bob's memory.
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So sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. I had the pleasure of a quick 9 hole round of golf with him last year at RHCC as the course was backed up so we thought since we were both walking and playing singles, it would be quicker. I quickly remembered the name Bob Thurman as I used to work for Safeway/First Choice Cu back in the 1980-1990’s and he was on the board of directors. We knew a lot of the same people over that span of years. So sorry to hear of his passing. He did great things for credit unions over all the years. Annette Joy
So sorry to hear of Bobs passing Karen and family. I am very thankful for my years serving with Bob at the corporate and earning his friendship. Bob was a very kind and witty man. Your annual pool party was a hit with many memories made.
I hope you guys find strength in the Lord as you get through this difficult time.
Kevin and Lori (The Montanans)
Thoughts and prayers to Bobs family. We graduated with Bob from ACHS class of 1971. He was the nicest guy and it was always nice to catch up with him at the reunions. With sincere sympathy, Dave & Dixie Givens
I am so glad to have had the pleasure of serving with Bob on the Corporate Board. Bob was a good man, that I considered a friend. I will miss Bob and cherish all those memories. We will pray for Karen and her family during this difficult time.
Bob’s kindness, knowledge, and steadfast dedication profoundly impacted many lives and left a lasting mark on our community. It was both a pleasure and a privilege to work alongside him as a board member of CUA. He will be deeply missed.
David Stuart
I’ve been fortunate to have known Bob since the days he began working as a Loan Officer at Wichita Teachers Credit Union. He was instrumental in the success of my business when I went out on my own as a human resource consultant. For that alone I am indebted to him. His friendship for the past fifty-plus years was an added bonus.
Bob was one of the most honorable men I have ever known. Through all our business conversations, most over a weekly lunch at a Chinese buffet, not once did Bob look at an issue and ask, “what’s in it for me.” He was always searching for the best decision for the organization. Which, I have to say, sometimes took several hours of discussion and two or three trips through the buffet.
During those lunches I learned of Bob’s deep love for Karen, his children and grandchildren. They were always a topic of our conversations and a source of great pride for Bob. My sympathy to Karen, Bob’s children and grandchildren. While he is no longer physically here, he will live forever in your hearts.
When I first started my career in sign sales, I had the privilege of working with Bob. He was one of the first to place his faith in me and George Lay Signs by purchasing a sign, a decision that ultimately shaped my entire career. That simple transaction blossomed into a lifelong association with Credit Union of America and many other credit unions across the region.
Bob was a respected leader in the credit union industry, especially during its transformative years. His opinion carried weight in trade associations, and it was clear that his leadership played a pivotal role in shaping credit unions into the essential financial institutions they are today.
I will always be grateful for Bob’s trust and the opportunities it opened. His influence extended far beyond business; it fostered relationships and partnerships that I will cherish forever. Rest in peace, Bob—you made a lasting impact on many.
Mary Wilson
With heartfelt condolences,
Bob pointing at Bob.
I have to admit I wasn’t prepared to hear that Robert had passed away.
He was a real part of my junior and high school experience.
I always found him honest, tougher than he looked and competent.
So sorry to learn of his passing and I wish the best for his wife and family.
The attached picture is from a golf outing at a high school reunion.
Ralph D. Wilson
I didn’t have the pleasure of knowing your dad, but I’m sure he was a special person because he raised an amazing human being: you. Wishing you peace and comfort during this unimaginable time.
Sajid Ali
So sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. My sister Sandy Knox worked with Bob at CUA. I met Bob through his wife Karen that I worked with at Mid American CU. We had enjoyable times within the credit union movement and outside with credit union friends. Prayers with the family.
My prayers are with Karen and family! I worked with Karen at Mid American CU and my Mother, Sandy Knox also worked with Bob at Credit union of America. I have fond memories of Bob and Karen and am so sad to see of his passing. Thinking of you all! Rhonda Blasi