Edward Bruce Thurlo, 58, El Dorado Springs, passed away Sunday, Sept. 20, 2009, to join his Heavenly Father. Bruce was born on Oct. 10, 1950, to Dorotha Umpherman and Henry Thurlo in Carrollton.
Bruce grew up in Bosworth and graduated in 1968 from Bosworth High School.
On May 14, 1994, he married Dawn Wagaman of Carrollton, and they have been happily married for 15 years.
Bruce’s military service included basic training in Fort Leonard Wood and then he was Transportation Specialist in Fort Bragg, NC. He was awarded the Vietnam Campaign Ribbon, two Army Commemoration Medals and the Bronze Star.
Since 1993, Bruce has been employed by the Missouri Division of Fire Safety in Jefferson City. Prior to employment with the Division of Fire Safety, he was a police officer with the Carrollton Police Department and was promoted to sergeant in 1989.
Bruce enjoyed the outdoors, especially bow hunting and waterfowl. He always felt his family and friends were important. He was a member of the First Baptist Church in El Dorado Springs.
Preceding Bruce in death were his parents.
Bruce is survived by his wife, Dawn Thurlo - of the home; one daughter, Tiffany Renee Pierson and husband, Justin - Carrollton; one son, Brent Allen Thurlo - South Carolina; and three brothers - Richard, Dwayne and Gail Thurlo. Bruce was also the proud grandfather of Shelby, Peyton and Alisen Pierson and Zander and Alexis Thurlo.
The family received friends from 6-8 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 23, at Bland-Hackleman Chapel in El Dorado Springs. Funeral services will begin at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 24, in the El Dorado Springs Church of God (Holiness), with Rev. Joe Trussell officiating. Statewide Fire Departments and Law Enforcement Agencies will pay tribute to Bruce’s life. Graveside service will follow at 4 p.m. in Carroll Memory Garden in Carrollton, with Pastor Rod McNeall officiating. Arrangements were entrusted to Bland-Hackleman Funeral Home.
Pallbearers were - Jimmy Trapani, Tony Sikoutris, Jimmy Luster, Roger Painter, John Young, Justin Pierson, Joe Arnold, Ed Morlan and Steven Barker.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Carrollton Fire Department or the Firefighters Association of Missouri Memorial Project. Contributions may be sent to: Bland-Hackleman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 44, El Dorado Springs, MO 64744.
