Rev. Daniel E. Thuma's Obituary
Experiencing a rapid decline in health following the death just a few weeks ago of his beloved wife of 37 years, Bobbie, Dan has left this journey on earth to enter eternal life with Jesus. He was 94 years old and truly could say, “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7
Dan is survived by two children and two stepchildren. His daughter, Maralee Brikowski of Bothell, Washington and his son, Mark Thuma and wife Lori of Pensacola, Florida. His stepchildren are Larry Quinn and wife Beverly of Longview, Texas and Elaine White of Sour Lake, Texas. Along with three grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
He was the youngest of five children born to Ralph and Esther Thuma from the farmlands of northeastern Kansas. As a teenager, in western Washington, he graduated from R. A. Longview High School. From there he attended and graduated from Northwest Christian College in Eugene, Oregon followed by graduate studies at Butler Theological Seminary in Indianapolis, Indiana.
He served as a pastor in Bethel, Oregon while a student at Northwest Christian College then at Staunton, Indiana and Banquo, Indiana while studying at Butler Theological Seminary. Following graduation he moved to serve First Christian Church in Mt. Vernon, Washington then moved to Seattle, Washington to serve at Findlay Street Christian Church. From there he began working with Prudential Insurance selling a ‘different’ kind of life insurance before he began working with the National Benevolent Association. His first assignment was in Omaha, Nebraska then moving to Longview, Texas to serve with NBA at Eden Place. After retirement from Eden Place, he spent time as a visiting pastor with Holy Trinity Church in Longview, Texas.
He also spent several years teaching a Sunday School class at First Christian Church in Longview, Texas where he was a member. He liked to tell of the time he was ordering food at a fast-food restaurant and someone in line behind him recognized his voice from the Sunday School lessons that were broadcast over the radio.
There are many to thank for his care and support during the later years of his life including the staff at Buckner Westminster Place and the angels Cindy, Tracy and Stacy with Hospice Plus who attended to his needs as well.
Celebration of life will be at 2 PM on Saturday, June 15, 2024, held at Rader Funeral Home Chapel, 1617 Judson Road, Longview, Texas. Dr. Rick Webb, minister at Providence Baptist Church and chaplain at Buckner Westminster Place will officiate during the service. There will be no graveside service, but burial will be in Lakeview Memorial Gardens, Longview, Texas.
The family requests any remembrances and memorials in lieu of flowers be given to First Christian Church in Longview, Texas.
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