Within a day of his dear wife's passing, William Taft Thurman passed away on Sunday, January 14, 2001, at his home in Salt Lake City, Utah.
The son of William Thomas Thurman and Pearl Eugenie Taft Thurman, he was born on October 31, 1908 in Provo, Utah. He attended the public schools of Utah, graduating from Granite High School in 1927 and the University of Utah in 193l where he was awarded an AB degree in history and political science.
He and Zettella Wheeler were married in rites performed in the Salt Lake Temple on May 30, 1931. Shortly thereafter, they moved to the Nation's Capital where he enrolled at the George Washington University Law School from which he graduated with a Doctor of Laws Degree. He then served in various legal positions with the Federal Government. During that experience, he traveled in a number of the other American Republics participating in the negotiation of economic and public health agreements between those countries and the United States.
He was a member of the Washington, D. C. and Utah State Bars beginning in 1937 and continuing to the time of his passing. He was also admitted to practice before the United States Supreme Court in Washington, D.C. and the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals in Denver. Upon the completion of his Government service in Washington, D.C., he returned with his family to Salt Lake where he entered into the practice of law.
For eight years he served as Chief Civil Deputy in the Office of the Salt Lake County Attorney. Under appointments by Presidents Kennedy and Johnson he was the United States Attorney for the District of Utah for eight years after which he returned to private practice in Salt Lake. He retired from active practice in March, 1998.
Active in legal and civic circles, he was President of McKay Burton & Thurman, the Legal Aid Society of Salt Lake and the Utah Chapter of the Federal Bar Association. He co-founded the Utah Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and was President of the East Mill Creek Lions Club. While a student at the University of Utah, he affiliated with Sigma Chi Fraternity. In 1978, he received the University Alumni Association Emeritus Club Merit of Honor Award. A long-time Democrat, he served as Utah State and Salt Lake County Chairman. In 1960, he attended the Democratic National Convention in Los Angeles as a Utah Delegate.
As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he filled a number of Priesthood leadership and teaching positions. He and his wife, Zettella, served as special Missionaries in the Salt Lake Temple View Stake.
He is survived by his daughters, Heather T. Fowles (Don, deceased), Roberta T. Dempsey (Bill), Margo-Lynn Richards (Barry), and son Bill (Sue). His sister Bessie T. Evans predeceased him. He is also survived by seven grandchildren and 11 great-granchildren.
Services will be held Wednesday, January 17, 12 noon at the Monument Park 17th Ward, 2795 E. Crestview Dr., Salt Lake City. Friends may call Tuesday evening 6-8 p.m. at Larkin Sunset Lawn, 2350 E. 1300 S. and Wednesday at the ward 10:45-11:45 a.m. Interment Salt Lake City Cemetery.
In lieu of floral pieces, the family suggests that contributions may be made to a charity selected by the donor.