Thurman James Bliss, 66, of Towanda, passed away Sunday January 29, 2012 at 8:20am at his home in Towanda.
Thurman was born April 12, 1945 in Bloomington to James Thurman and Margaret Murrey Bliss.
He graduated from Illinois Wesleyan University in 1967 with a Bachelor's Degree in Economics; while there he was a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity. He went on to dedicate his life to his family farm. After retiring from the farm Thurman enjoyed working at OEM Tractor Parts in Chenoa for several years. He loved spending time with his children and grandchildren. He was a member of several local bands and loved playing his guitar. He loved painting and was an avid Bears and White Sox fan.
Surviving are companion Connie Shannon; sons Eric Bliss, Akron, OH, Ryan (Jessica) Bliss, Towanda and their mother Tena; daughter Jacqui Bliss, Dallas, TX, sons John Bliss, Detroit, MI, Jesse Bliss, Towanda, and their mother Peggy; 2 step sons Michael Paynter and Nicholas Paynter; 3 grandsons Ian, Jason and Grant; and 3 sisters Susan, Bonnie and Lucy.
Thurman was preceded in death by his parents and wife Jana Bliss.
Thurman was loved by all who knew him. His warmth and humor will be missed. A celebration of Thurman's life will be held Sunday, February 12, 2012 at Illinois Wesleyan's Joslin Atrium from 1-4pm with a time to share memories at 2pm. Cremation rites have been accorded by East Lawn Funeral Home, Bloomington.
Memorial contributions may be made to Illinois Wesleyan University in memory of Thurman Bliss c/o Jeff Mavros
Please visit www.EastLawn-Bloomington.com to share memories and condolences with Thurman's family.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
February 14, 2012
Lucy Henderson
I will truly miss my brother. He was such a loving person. He was a great brother, a loving Dad and a wonderful and caring grandfather. I know he is playing his music everyday now.
February 14, 2012
Bonnie Bliss
My brother's celebration of life was one of the most beautiful events that I have ever attended. It amazed me that such a loving, homebody, funny guy could touch so many lives and have so many people honor his memory. I don't know if his tragic death will every resolve itself in my heart and I ache to see him again and hear his funny take on things. God bless all of you for your kind words and thoughts.
February 13, 2012
Daniel Weber
Kim and I were unable to attend but wish you all peace in your lives. thinking of Thurm on a daily basis.Dani and Kim Weber
February 12, 2012
We were so saddened to hear of your loss. We were thinking of you today, wishing we could be there. Jacqui was in school and track at the same time as our children. Gary coached track then at Fisher. Our heartfelt sympathies to Connie's and Thurman's families. May God comfort you and lead you to a place of peace.
Pat and Gary Jackson, Fisher, IL.
February 12, 2012
Andi Nettleton
So many great memories with Thurman. A life that truly deserves to be celebrated. I have no doubt he will be smiling today as we all share our stories and fun-loving memories of him. Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers.
February 11, 2012
linda kovacs
We will be thinking about all of you tomorrow as you remember and honor a special man. We plan to have a toast to Thurman and a walk on the beach dedicated to him. Hugs to all of you.
February 10, 2012
Cindy Bliss, Ted and Matthew Engdall
To Susan, Bonnie, Lucy, and all of Thurman's family - I've lived away from Illinois since 1973, and have missed alot of family events, but I still have wonderful memories of Thurman when I was young at our family holiday parties, events, and summers at the farm. I still have a hard time calling him Thurman since most of my early years he was "little Jim." He was always one of my favorite cousins and I will miss his warmth, gentle nature, and kind smile. You are all in our prayers.
February 10, 2012
Peggy Royal
Thurman you will truly be missed. My deepest sympathy to the Family.
Peggy Royal
February 9, 2012
My heartfelt sympathy to all of Thurman's family. Thurman will be greatly
missed at OEM. He was such an asset to us with his easy going nature
with all of our employees and especially with our customers. His sense of
humor and laughter always made the day seem a little brighter.
Cindy Smith
February 6, 2012
Ryan Bliss
February 6, 2012
Ryan Bliss
February 6, 2012
Ryan Bliss
February 6, 2012
Ryan Bliss
February 6, 2012
Ryan Bliss
February 6, 2012
Ryan Bliss
February 6, 2012
Ryan Bliss
February 5, 2012
Deepest sympathy to Thurm's family. Have known him for years....we danced to his bands at various venues. And also knew his mom & dad quite well. Bill and Gloria Heller, Normal, Illinois
February 5, 2012
Scott Bielfeldt
Thurm, miss you at work. Won't be the same for sure. So sorry to hear what happened. Can't believe you are gone. Deepest sympathy to family and friends.
February 4, 2012
linda kovacs
Still thinking of all the Bliss family everyday. We still do not believe Thurman is gone. We are with you in our thoughts and prayers. Wish we could be there to give you big hugs.
February 4, 2012
My sincere sympathy on Thurman's passing Rae Ann (Robbins) Ahlers
February 3, 2012
Janice (Harms) White
Extending deepest sympathy at this time of sorrow and hoping the Bliss family will find comfort in special memories and the kind words received from so many of Thurman's long-time friends.
February 3, 2012
Martha Ehlers
Dear Cousins, Please know how deeply sorry Norm and I are for your tragic loss. Thurman was such a unique person. I remember him well from the time he was a darling little boy, through his high school years (when I was so proud of my talented and handsome younger cousin), to our August wedding 50 years ago when he helped to carry the gifts that came with the guests. During our growing-up years, he was the only boy Bliss cousin in the neighborhood among all us girls. In recent years when I would return to visit, I could count on getting a broad smile from Thurman, a warm greeting with a twinkle in his eye, and a tight hug. My heart aches that he is gone.
February 3, 2012
We share our condolences with the Bliss family. And, Thurman, yes I know how to drive a truck loaded with corn headed for the elevator. We made it just fine. He didn't think I could. God Bless you all.
Don Bliss, Palmyra, PA Son of the late Harmon E Bliss, of Newkirk, Oklahoma
February 2, 2012
Thurman is a kind soul whom I had many laughs and a few tears with. Thurman is loved by so many and will always be fondly remembered. My love to the Bliss Family, Sheila Nettleton
February 2, 2012
Monica Adams
Jesse, Jacqui, John & family: I'm very sorry to hear about your dad. I will be thinking about you.
February 2, 2012
Billy Thompson
My thoughts and prayers go out to the
Bliss family. I will miss Thurman and
his quick humor.
February 2, 2012
Linda Sutton Rauch
Thurman and I were classmates in high school, he was so much fun. He was easy to talk to but he was also a prankster! Great friend!
Great loss for everyone who loved him. Memories will keep him alive and in our hearts.
Linda Sutton Rauch
February 1, 2012
Deepest sympathy to all of the Bliss family. We will sorely miss the fun loving guy that you were. Always ready to pick up your guitar to play with the
drummer, and always an added funny story. We will miss you
Roger and Denise
February 1, 2012
Nick K
I am sorry to hear what happened and I wish nothing but the best..
February 1, 2012
Brian & Ann Ifft
Thurman's humor will be sadly missed. We had many great times riding,it was always an adventure!
February 1, 2012
Will Grimes
My old friend and classmate from the first grade on. I can not believe this! A friend that will be missed but never fogotten. I remember those first days when he got his first guitar and how much he loved playing it. Bless his soul. We grew up on neighboring farms. Will Grimes (Rainier,Wa.)
February 1, 2012
I join in celebrating Thurmans life, my memories go back as far as Jr. High.
Caryl (Bridges) Atkinson. Austin, Texas
February 1, 2012
Shelia Barker
You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Thurm will be greatly missed.
February 1, 2012
Terri Dicken
I'm so sorry for your loss. I loved Thurm. He was my brother's best friend. May God's Peace surround you during this very difficult time.
February 1, 2012
Lorna White-Anderson
So sorry for your loss. I went to school with Jim and his sister, Susie. Enjoyed his music through the years. Would love to attend the memorial, but will be in FL.
February 1, 2012
rene wissekerke
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
February 1, 2012
Dave & Vickie Zehr
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. We have known Thurman for many years, back in the day of raising and showing hogs. Then to enjoy the music he played at Christmas parties we attended.
February 1, 2012
Patty Beecher
We will miss you Thurm!....our thoughts and prayers are with the Bliss family.
February 1, 2012
Bill, Velma Kerber
Dear Family, We are truly sorry for the loss of your father and grandfather. We have known Thurman for many years. He had talent in sports, music and farming. We always had a fun time listening and dancing to his band. May GOD take care of your family. Bill, Velma (Cox), Kerber formly of Colfax and Cooksville
February 1, 2012
Ron Crane
To all the Bliss family,my condolences. Thurm was certainly a fun loving guy. Have many happy memories of all of us showing Hampshires for many years. Those were sure good times! Hi,Peggy. Ron & Sandy Crane
February 1, 2012
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of sorrow. Thurman will be missed.
Rick and Becky Carden Anchor IL
February 1, 2012
Niels Christiansen
I only "know" Thurman through the author of Digital Blasphemy, but obviously humanity's light has dimmed a little.
<3
February 1, 2012
linda kovacs
Jerry and I send our prayers and sympathy to the Bliss family. We enjoyed knowing Thurman and will miss seeing him when we visit Illinois. We loved watching him with his grandsons,Ian and Jason, explaining some interesting concept or listening to their questions. The last time we were together we were watching a great ping pong game between Ian and Thurman's son Ryan. You could just see how proud Thurman was of both of them and in awe of his grandson's athletic ability. He was a sweet man.
February 1, 2012
Denny & Patty Gaddis
Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire family.
February 1, 2012
Andrew Henderson
We could always count on Thurman for a laugh and to keep everything cool.
"Go Johnny Go...Johnny Be Good."
February 1, 2012
Brent Blair
Thurman you will be missed! Rest In Peace
Brent & Brenda Blair
February 1, 2012
gail rowley
We are very sorry to hear of Thurm's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Bliss Family.
Ken & Gail (Smith) Rowley
February 1, 2012
Linda Daniels
Our sincere sympathy to Thurman's family.
February 1, 2012
John C Morris
Godspeed my friend, I alsways enjoyed playing music with you. Peace
February 1, 2012
Brian/Ann Ifft
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