Thurman D Blackley

Thurman D. Blackley, age 93, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family, on October 20, 2026. He was born on August 22, 1933, in Heber City, Utah, to Farris Don and LaRue Blackley.

Thurman grew up in the Heber Valley alongside his three siblings before the family moved to Provo during his teenage years. He graduated from Provo High School and remained a lifelong BYU fan.

While serving in the United States Air Force, Thurman went on a blind date with a cute little lassie from Scotland. It was love at first sight, and just a few months later, they were married. Together, Thurman and Kathy shared 54 wonderful years, building a life and family full of memories until her passing in 2020.

Thurman was proud of his 21 years of service in the Air Force and loved serving his country. His military career also gave him the opportunity to see much of the world, something he always enjoyed.

After retiring from the Air Force, Thurman and Kathy settled in Roy, Utah, where they raised their four children. Family was at the center of Thurman’s world, and he took great pride in his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Thurman was happiest outdoors. He loved fishing, especially fly fishing, and few things brought him more joy than a day spent fishing the Provo River. He also enjoyed riding his horse, camping, road trips, and cheering on his grandkids in whatever activities they were involved in. Some of his favorite memories were made on road trips with his mother. Sometimes they would head to Oregon simply for fish and chips at a little spot he had discovered. Other times, he was off in search of a new fishing hole. For Thurman, a good adventure didn’t need much of a plan, just a destination worth exploring.

Thurman had a generous heart, a listening ear, and a way of making himself available whenever someone needed a hand. He was always willing to help others, and the time he spent volunteering at the Ogden YCC held a special place in his heart.

If there was one thing Thurman made sure his family knew, it was that they were loved. He rarely needed to say “I love you” because he had his own way of saying it: “You’re Wonderful.” Every visit came with those words, and every time he said it, he reminded us how loved we were. We will now spend the rest of our lives remembering just how wonderful he was.

Thurman was preceded in death by his parents, Farris and LaRue Blackley; his siblings, Bobby, Duane, and Nina; his beloved wife, Kathy; and his son, Jim.

He is survived by his children, Stuart Blackley, Michelle (Curt) Hodson, and Nicole (Ed) Smith; nine grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

Thurman will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever wonderful.

Thurman will be laid to rest beside his wife and son at Heber City Cemetery. A graveside service with his immediate family will be held to honor his memory and take comfort in his reunion with those who went before him.

We invite you to leave your memories and upload photos to the memorial page at www.myers-mortuary.com to celebrate the remarkable life of Thurman. Let us remember him not with sadness, but with joy for the love he shared and the life he lived.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Ogden YCC Family Crisis Center.

Services entrusted to Myers Mortuary of Roy.