Melvin Thurston
Melvin Thurston, 82 of Kokomo passed away on Tuesday, February 6, 2024 at Hamilton Trace in Fishers. Prior to moving to Fishers Melvin was a 60-year resident of Kokomo. He was born on June 15, 1941 in New Point, Indiana to Russell & Helen (Keaton) Thurston.
After high school, Melvin served in the United States Air Force; he was stationed at Grissom Air Force Base working in accounting. Later in life Melvin worked at Kokomo Gas and Fuel as a data processing manager for several years. Prior to that he worked for First National Bank. He was an avid sports fan and enjoyed watching IU Basketball, UCONN Women Basketball, the Cincinnati Reds, and the Indianapolis Colts. Melvin also enjoyed watching tennis and golf. He had a strong bond with his family and cherished the time they spent together; especially the time he spent with his grandchildren. In his spare time he also enjoyed playing golf, woodworking and fishing.
He is survived by his children, Laurie Dominguez and husband Frank of Arnold, Maryland, Michelle Greenwalt and husband Tim of Gambrills, Maryland, Sheila Clark and husband David of Phoenixville, Pennsylvania, Kim Senkus and partner Mike Zedrick of Fishers; grandchildren, Jake Senkus, Dylan Senkus, Austin Wells, Devin Castaneda and husband Nick, Garrett Wells, Aiden Dominquez, Tanner Greenwalt, Jayden Greenwalt, and Kyler Greenwalt. He is also survived by one sister, Karen Dial of Davenport, Florida and his ex-wife Rita Grosswiler and husband-in-law Bill. Melvin was preceded in death by one sister, Laverne Beagle.
The family had chosen to have private services for Melvin. Please leave condolences and fond memories of Melvin at the bottom of his obituary page at www.young-nichols.com. Young-Nichols Funeral Home is honored to serve the Thurston family in their time of need.
The family would also like you to plant a tree in honor of Melvin by supporting the Arbor Day Foundation, 211 North 12th Street, Lincoln, Nebraska, 68508 or online at www.arborday.org.
Kim, Rita and family – Tonya and I extend our deepest sympathies to you. We have such fond memories of our times together as neighbors on Southlea Drive. Mom was especially fond of Mel as we were. Mel was a great friend.
Really enjoyed catching up with Mel last month as we discussed working together at Kokomo Gas. Especially remember the constant ribbing surrounding the I. U. VS. PURDUE rivalry and his purple car.
lol the purple charger! Thank you for sharing! I’m so happy you visited him as well! Thank you!
Kim
Best brother-in-law ever! You will be missed Mel! Love you and RIP.
Kim,
I’m very sorry to hear about your dad’s passing. Mel was always the nicest guy to me growing up. I remember you asking him if you could sleep in the parking lot at Karma Records to get New Kids on the Block tickets the second they went on sale. He agreed as long as I went and “protected you.” ☺️ I had a lot of great talks with him and he always went out of his way to make me feel important. He was in a class all by himself. Much love my friend ❤️
Awe thank you! Those were some great times! Great concert so thank you for taking one for the team!
RIP Mel We know by now you have a fishing pole in one hand, a basketball in the other and your golf clubs by your side. Even though we parted ways years ago we still remained family and friends for the love of Kim, Jake and Dylan and for that Bill (your husband-in-law 😂) and I will always be greatful.
I worked for about ten years with Mel at First National Bank. Mel and I were definitely the YOUNG REBELS at the Bank. We always seemed to be at odds with Bank management. Mel was WILD and CRAZY, but I will ALWAYS remember him as a GREAT and wonderful FRIEND!
Melvin and I were stationed together at Bunker Hill AFB, Peru , Indiana, which was our first duty assignment in the Air Force. I sent him several Christmas cards, and attempted to get in touch with him over the years, but was unsuccessful. He was a good friend and I enjoyed visiting his parents and Karen in Waldron, Indiana. I could tell you several humorous stories about our years together at Bunker Hill AFB.
I have continued working here in West Virginia as an auditor after I retired from the Air Force. We have 17 grandchildren and 7 great-great grandchildren (as best as I can remember).
I am thankful for the many days we spent together and the good times we shared. If anyone wants to read some funny stories about Melvin, Email or write me and I’ll get back to you.
Jack Miller
9478 Pond Fork Road
Madison, WV 25130
(H)304-369-6257 (W)304-756-3600, Ext. 306) EMAIL: jmiller@griffith.cpa