Obituary of Thurman Edward Gustafson

Thurman Edward Gustafson "Gus", age 81 years, died January 8 at Inspira Hospital, Mullica Hill. Born in McPherson, KS, he moved to Pitman, NJ in 1957 and met his future wife Barbara Whitehead at that time. He joined the U.S. Navy Reserves in 1957, Pitman Fire Co. #1 Young Men's Assoc. in 1958, and graduated from Pitman High School in 1959. He went on active duty for the U.S. Navy and served aboard the Destroyer, USS Bordelon DDR-881. He was released from active duty in 1961 and enrolled in Wichita State University. Gus moved back to Pitman in 1966 and started working for Mobil Research and Development as a Lab Tech. He reconnected with Barbara and they were married in November of 1968. He retired from Mobil after 30 years of service as a Lab Supervisor. He and Barbara bought a motor home and traveled the United States and Canada for over 20 years. Gus was a life member of Pitman Fire Co. #1, where he served as Vice President and Captain of the Fire Police. He was Assistant Scoutmaster and Treasurer for Boy Scout Troop 18 from 1984-88. He was a member of the Salem County Gun Club, NRA Life Endowment member, and Family Motor Coach Assoc Chapter Voting Director. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Barbara R. (nee Whitehead), daughters, Arleen (George) Esgro, and Leslee (Tom) Doebler, and son, Neil (Jennifer) Gustafson. Also survived by his sister Linnea (Oakford) Acton, 6 granddaughters; Gwen (Bruce) Sharp, Natalie (Tom) Pote, Melissa and Rachel Esgro, Samantha and Megan Gustafson, and 4 great grandchildren; Mabel and Fulton Pote, Forrest and Ford Sharp. Friends may call on Thursday from 9:30 to 11AM in the KELLEY FUNERAL HOME, 125 Pitman Ave, Pitman, NJ. Funeral service at 11AM. Interment Gloucester County Veteran's Cemetery. Those desiring may make contributions to Pitman Fire Co. #1, 110 S. Broadway, Pitman, NJ 08071 or Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, KS 66675-8516 (www.woundedwarriorproject.org). Memories may be shared at www.kelleyfhpitman.com.