Martin Thomas Thurman Sr., 73

Martin Thomas Thurman Sr. was born Dec. 12, 1949, and passed away unexpectedly at his home in North Idaho on Feb. 2, 2023. Martin was born in Staten Island, N.Y., to Thomas Polityka and Doris Lubacik. Martin eventually made his way to Southern California, where he was raised by Doris and Lige Thurman.

In May of 1968, Martin met the love of his life, best friend and “Buddy,” Lynda while cruising down Tweedy Boulevard in Southgate, Calif. Martin and Lynda were engaged in August of 1968 and married Feb. 1, 1969, at the ripe old age of 19. They celebrated a beautiful life together until his unexpected passing, which was one day after they celebrated their 53rd wedding anniversary. While in California, Martin and Lynda were blessed with three sons, who brought nothing but joy to their lives; Marty Jr., Dustin and Jeff. In 1986, Martin and his family moved to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.

Martin was a devoted Christian and served as a minister on several occasions throughout his life, which included time as a youth pastor at Lighthouse church in Perris, Calif. Martin was also an operator engineer and a member of the Teamsters early in his career. Martin later became an owner/operator of several successful businesses in the Coeur d’Alene area.

Martin loved to garden, run his tractor, minister the Word of God, play his piano and fish, although his family would often wonder, for what? Because he never caught anything.

Martin leaves behind his wife, Lynda; his sons, Marty Thurman Jr. (wife Joni), Dustin Thurman (wife Kelly), Jeff Thurman (wife Kaycie); daughter, Tammie Holmes (husband Phil); grandsons Josh, Burke, Bridger, Ronald, Michael and Cameron; granddaughters Paige, Korinne, Rachel, Kelsey, Sarah, Elizabeth and Anna along with nine great-grandchildren; siblings Bobby, Roger, Ligee and Betty.

Martin spoke with Lynda the night before his passing about how exciting and glorious it will be on the day; he would meet Jesus. Little did they know it would be the next day.

Preceding Martin in death are his fathers, Thomas and Lige, his mother, Doris, his in-laws, Don and Grace, and his grandson, Mitchell.

A celebration of Martin’s life will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, Feb. 10, 2023, at Yates Funeral Home, 744 N. Fourth St., Coeur d’Alene. Graveside service will immediately follow at Coeur d’Alene Memorial Gardens, 7315 N. Government Way, Coeur d’Alene, ID 83815. A reception will follow at his son’s residence also known as, “The Fort”, 696 N. City View Drive, Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814.

Martin’s online obituary and condolences may be found at

https://www.yatesfuneralhomes.com/obituaries/Martin-Thomas-Thurman-Sr?obId=27201958#/obituaryInfo

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13