William Dean Thurlow

William Dean Thurlow, 95 died January 4, 2021 in Clay Center, KS.  He was born on September 10, 1925 in rural Wakefield, KS, the son of John and Caroline (Koerner) Thurlow.  William grew up on the family farm south of Wakefield.  He worked on the farm following high school graduation until he enlisted in the US Army in 1945, serving in Japan during WWII.  Following the war, Bill attended Kansas State University, graduating with a Secondary Education Degree.  He taught school in Bendena, KS when he met Helen Bullock.  They were married on April 12, 1953.  In 1967, Bill and Helen moved the family to Clay Center where he opened and operated  Circle T Implement with his brother, Calvin.  He was a member of Swedesburg First Lutheran Church for 53 years, served as a Clay County Commissioner and a 20 year Clay County School Board member.  Bill was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Barbara Dexter; brothers Melvin, Erwin and Calvin Thurlow.

Survivors:

Wife: Helen Thurlow of Clay Center, KS

Daughter: Karen Smith and husband Robert of Manhattan, KS

Son: Terry Thurlow and wife Robin of Wakefield, KS

Son: Lynn Thurlow and wife Kathryn of Lindsborg, KS

Son: Randy Thurlow and wife Coleen of Wakefield, KS

9 Grandchildren and 5 Great-grandchildren

Services: Services for Bill will livestream at 1:30 PM, Friday, January 8 at  https://www.facebook.com/nsrfuneralhome

Visitation: Thursday, January  7, 2021 from 4-7 PM at Neill-Schwensen-Rook Funeral Home

Memorials:  in lieu of flowers to CCCIF c/o the funeral home.  The memorials will benefit the Wakefield Museum and the USD #379 water bottle refill stations