Edward Bruce Thurlo

Edward Bruce Thurlo, 58, of El Dorado Springs, passed away on Sunday, Sept. 20, 2009, to join his Heavenly Father. Bruce was born on Oct. 10, 1950, to Dorotha Umpherman and Henry Thurlo, in Carrollton, Mo.

Bruce grew up in Bosworth, Mo., and graduated in 1968, from Bosworth High School. On May 14, 1994, he married Dawn Wagaman, of Carrollton, Mo., and they have been happily married for 15 years. Bruce's millitary service included basic training in Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., and then he was a transportation specialist, in Fort Bragg, N.C. He was awarded the Vietnam Campaign Ribbon, two Army Commemoration medals, and the Bronze Star.

Bruce was employed by the Missouri Division of Fire Safety, in Jefferson City, since 1993. Prior to employment with the Division of Fire Safety he was a police officer with the Carrollton Police Department and was promoted to sergeant in 1989.

Bruce enjoyed the outdoors, especially bow hunting and waterfowl. He always felt his friends were important. He was a member of the First Baptist Church, in El Dorado Springs.

Bruce was preceded in death by his parents.

He is survived by his wife Dawn Thurlo, of the home; one daughter, Tiffany Renee Pierson and husband Justin, of Carrollton, Mo.; one son, Brett Allen Thurlo, of the state of South Carolina; three brothers, Richard, Dwayne and Gail Thurlo; and grandchildren, Shelby, Peyton and Alisen Pierson, and Zander and Alexis Thurlo.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, Sept. 23, from 6-8 p.m., at Bland-Hackleman Chapel, in El Dorado Springs. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, Sept. 24, at 10 a.m., at the El Dorado Springs Church of God (Holiness), with the Rev. Joe Trussell officiating. Graveside services will follow at 4 p.m., at Carroll Memory Garden, in Carrollton, Mo., with pastor Rod McNeall officiating. Pallbearers are: Jimmy Trapani, Tony Sikoutris, Jimmy Luster, Roger Painter, John Young, Justin Pierson, Joe Arnold, and Steve Barker.

Arrangements were entrusted to Bland-Hackleman Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in memory of Bruce Thurlo to the Carrollton Fire Department or the Firefighters Association of Missouri Memorial Project. Contributions may be sent to Bland-Hackleman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 44, El Dorado Springs, MO 64744.