William Henry Thurston, Jr.

William Henry Thurston, Jr., 85, of Beaumont, passed away on April 10, 2018, at his home.

Funeral services will be 2:00pm, Saturday, April 14, 2018, at Claybar Kelley-Watkins Funeral Home in Beaumont. Burial will follow at Magnolia Cemetery in Beaumont where the Masonic Rights will be given.

Visitation will be from 5:00-8:00pm, Friday, April 13, 2018 at Claybar Kelley-Watkins Funeral Home.

Born in Beaumont, Texas, on September 29, 1932, he was the son of William Henry Thurston, Sr. and Mable Estell (Meadows) Thurston. Henry was a lifelong resident of Beaumont and Graduated from French High School. He was an electrician by trade and a 65 year member of the IBEW local #479. He served on the executive board of the IBEW Credit Union. He was a Cashan Grotto with the El Mina Shine Beaumont Lodge #286. Henry was a longtime member of Trinity United Methodist Church in Beaumont. He enjoyed listening to country music and traveling with his RV club. Henry loved Lamar Basketball in any form and was a longstanding season ticket holder.

He was preceded in death by his sons, Eugene Thurston and Bill Thurston; daughter, Valinda Welch; sisters, Nancy Miller and JoAnn McNeely and his first wife, Dorothy Thurston.

He is survived by his wife, Nelva Thurston; children, Glenda Beckett and husband, James of White Oak, Kent Welch and wife, Brenda of Buna, Vanessa Simmons and husband, Pat of Vidor, and Randy Welch and wife, Bonnie of Ohio; 17 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; brother, Jimmy Immel and sister, Patricia Lagel.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Shriner’s Hospital in Galveston, Attn: Donor Development Office, 815 Market St. Galveston, TX 77550.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Harbor Hospice, especially Dr. Stout for their wonderful treatment of Henry while he was in their care.