Howard Mac Thurman

Howard Mac Thurman, a loving father, husband and a leader in the Springdale community passed away Saturday, November 17, 2018. Howard was born on January 17, 1937 in Aurora, Missouri to his parents Joy Abner Thurman and Merle Taylor Thurman. Mr. Thurman finished high school in Springfield at Central High School. He continued his education at Southwest Missouri State University and graduated in 1959. Howard joined the United States Naval Reserve straight out of high school in 1954 and served Honorably through 1962. He was Honorably Discharged as a Petty Officer 3rd Class. Howard was employed by Union National Bank in Springfield in June of 1960, then promoted to Assistant Trust Officer, just two years later in 1962. In 1967 Howard took a new position with Exchange Bank & Trust in Dallas, Texas, later named Texas American Bank in 1977. There he became the Executive Vice President of the Trust Department. In 1987 Mr. Thurman moved back to Springdale where he served as President of Arvest Trust Company and was heavily vested in the organization and expansion of Arvest Bank until his retirement in March of 2004. During his time in Springdale Howard was involved with Lion's Club and served as the treasurer while a member of the Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks in Fayetteville/Springdale. He was preceded in death by his parents and one son, Howard Mac Thurman Jr. Mr. Thurman is survived by his wife, Marcia McGowen-Thurman, his son, Doug Thurman & wife Julie ; his daughter, Kelley Thurman & husband Kelly Sherman; Scott McGowen & wife Jamie and Tony Taylor. Visitation for Mr. Thurman is this Friday, November 23rd, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Funeral services are the following day, November 24th, at 1 p.m. Those services are to be performed at Sisco Funeral home followed by a graveside ceremony at Bluff Cemetery. Chad Johnson will perform the funeral services. Pallbearers for the services are Tommy Karr, Zach Brothers, Buddy Philpot, Andres Manon, Scott McGowen & Tony Taylor. Honorary Pallbearers are Will Winn and Scott Test. Family and friends are all invited to attend. Online condolences may be left at www.siscofuneral.com.