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Robert LeRoy Thurston was born to parents George and Virginia Thurston on July 13, 1947, in Lakeview, Michigan. He peacefully passed, surrounded by family on October 5, 2025, in San Antonio, Texas. Robert graduated from Highland High School in 1966 and later attended San Antonio College. He honorably served in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War, where he fought with fellow sailors on the USS Ranger and USS Providence. He earned a National Defense Service Medal, Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device, and a Vietnam Service Medal. Robert married his best friend’s sister, Emma, after returning from the war. After the Navy, he started working for CPS Energy where he dedicated 32 years of employment. Robert is remembered as having a love for his family, friends, fishing and tinkering with automobiles or motorcycles. He loved adventures, whether it was riding a motorcycle, a roller coaster or driving with Emma across the country in an RV. He had a servant’s heart and love for his community. He actively participated in his local American Legion, Post #38, of Floresville, Texas for over 20 years. He also worked with the Boy Scout Troop 114 of Floresville, Texas. He was always offering a helping hand wherever it was needed. His family, friends, neighbors, Legion friends and church community all knew they could count on him. Robert is survived by his wife, Emma Thurston; his daughters, Catherine Lee and husband John, Joy Thurston-Cook and husband Tybor; his son Robert Thurston Jr.; his sister Gaila Schultze and husband Karl; his brother, Terry N. Thurston; his grandsons, Chase Lee and Van Cook; and many beloved Brother-in-Laws, Sister-in-Laws, nieces, nephews and cousins. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations can be made to the American Legion, Post #38, of Floresville, Texas or the Boy Scout Troop 114 of Floresville, Texas by check at: 1412 4th Street, Floresville, TX 78114 Services for Robert Thurston will be held at Mission Park Funeral Chapels South, on S.E. Military Dr., San Antonio, Texas, 78214. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, from 5pm-8pm. The funeral service will be held the following day, Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at 9:00am. The committal service will immediately follow at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery. Everyone is invited to celebrate the life of Robert at the American Legion Post #38 after 1:30pm after the committal service.

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Robert L. Thurston

July 13, 1947 - October 5, 2025