Franklin D. Thurman, age 78, of Rio Rancho went home to the Lord on Tuesday, January 15, 2013, surrounded by family. Franklin was born on February 8, 1934, in Vandalia, MO, to Beckworth and Bessie (Van Vacter) Thurman. Franklin was a Veteran of the Korean War (1953-1956). On February 23, 1957, Franklin married Lois V. Pulis in Mexico, MO. They lived in Mexico, MO, Chicago, I, and Albuquerque, NM before moving to Rio Rancho in 1986. During their early years of marriage, Franklin worked for International Shoe Co., and later, Florsheim Shoes, in Mexico. After moving to Albuquerque in 1970, Franklin worked for Price's Dairy, which would later become Borden's Dairy, making ice cream. Franklin continued to work at the Dairy until his retirement in 1996. Together Franklin and Lois were blessed with 6 children, five grandchildren and four step-grandchildren. Franklin enjoyed western movies, country and western music, model trains, playing the slots at the casino, wearing any one of his vast collection of hat, and spending time with his family. Franklin was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, Lawrence, Beckworth and Charles Thurman, three sisters, Jessie Casey, Ruby Tillman and Josie Hartegan and one niece, Phyllis Spurlock. Franklin is survived by his wife of 55 years, Lois and son, Randal of the home. Survivors also include son, Richard and his wife, Diann, son, Russell and his wife, Kathleen, son, Rex, daughter, Pamela and her husband, Steven Valdez and daughter, Penny and her husband, William Hein, grandchildren, Hannah Thurman, Thomas Thurman, Jon Thurman and wife, Cassie, Nicholas Hein and Patrick Hein; and step-grandchildren, Christopher Walker, Erin Ayres, Shannon Meek and her husband, Deral and Bryan Thurman, as well as 19 nieces and nephews. Visitation and viewing will be held on Sunday, January 20, 2013 from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at French - Westside. A Memorial Service will be held on Monday, January 21, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. at French - Westside. Interment will be at Sunset Memorial Park, 924 Menaul Blvd. NE.