Raymond “Don” and Myrtle “Mert” Thurston

Thurston, Jr., Raymond “Don”, Age 90 and Mert, (nee: Weber), Age 86, of O’Fallon, MO, both passed away on Tuesday, July 19, 2016 within hours of each other. The couple of nearly 64 years shared an amazing life together and created an exceptional legacy for their family. Devoted parents of Pat (Bill) Bode, Brian (Debby) Thurston, and Laura (Tom) Abegg; cherished grandparents of Deena (the late Kevin) Fischer, Angie (Todd) Parsons, Laura (Brent) Phillips, Pam (Michael) Rehg, Nick (Talia) Abegg, Adam Abegg, and Josh Abegg; treasured great-grandparents of nine and expecting twin great-grandchildren this fall; dear brother and sister-in-law of Richard (Chris) Thurston. They are preceded in death by their siblings Les Thurston, Earl Weber, Vada Volmert, John Weber, Jr., Jim Weber, and Ray Weber.

Don was a proud veteran of the United States Army and United States Navy. He loved gardening, reading, crossword puzzles, and trivia. Mostly Don loved his wife dearly and enjoyed spending time with his family.

Mert was a social butterfly and never knew a stranger. She was energetic, compassionate and shared an amazing sense of humor with all her family and friends.

The family would like to express their appreciation to the staff at Park Place Senior Living, Lutheran Senior Services - Mason Pointe, and the nurses and doctors of Mercy ICU 475.

A Memorial Gathering will be held at St. John United Church of Christ, 405 S 5th St, St Charles, MO 63301 on August 9, 2016 with a Memorial Service following at 10:00 am.

August 9, 2016 would have been Don and Mert’s 64^th wedding anniversary.

Memorials may be made to Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation, St. John's United Church of Christ in St. Charles, or American Heart Association.