THURMAN COURNOYER SR.

Thurman Cournoyer Sr., 79, of Marty, died Friday, October 6, 2023 at his home in Marty. Funeral services were held Wednesday, October 11 at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Marty. Burial was in St Paul’s Catholic Cemetery with military honors. Peters Funeral Home of Wagner was in charge of arrangements.

Thurman was a kind loving father and positive role model to others. He started his life being born in Scottsbluff, NE. His father Harold Cournoyer, Sr. moved his family around, living in Detroit, Michigan.

He joined the Navy on December 14, 1964 and was assigned to the USS Eaton. After the service he met his wife Gerty Randall. They resided in Rosebud, where their first daughter Emma was born.

After a brief marriage, he then married Darlene Yellow Hawk in which Kenny, Thurman Jr., Wayne, Dewey, Lisa and Hazel were born.

Thurman provided for his family being a journeyman and an electrician, being licensed in South Dakota and Nebraska.

Thurman made his home at the Old Dairy Farm in Marty. Having retired three times and working on his home which he built from the ground up filled with love and tons of kids, grandkids, and family. He also served as Chief for the Yankton Sioux Tribe from 2011-2013.

Once retiring again, Thurman enjoyed life surrounded by family and his 60’s music. He also liked his cold ones.

He is survived by his children: Emma Cournoyer, Lisa (Tony) Cournoyer, Kenny (Crystal) Cournoyer, Hazel (Miguel) Cournoyer, and Wayne (Pricilla) Cournoyer; his siblings: Marlene, Harold “Sonny” Jr., Gloria, Beverly, Debra, Florence, Frank, and Walter; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his son Thurman Jr.; daughter Angie; Juanita “Tubby”, Josephine “Jojo”, and Naomi Faye.