Reed Elden Thurgood

Reed Elden Thurgood passed away Thursday, July 13, 2023.  He is now in the loving arms of our Heavenly Father and surrounded by his parents, brother, sister, and many others.

Reed was born on December 7, 1946, to Eldon and Virginia Williams Thurgood.

Reed married his high school sweetheart, Susan Jill Laird Thurgood, on September 29, 1966, in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saint Salt Lake City Temple. They shared 57 wonderful years together, loving and serving each other. They were blessed with 5 children, 4 sons and 1 daughter, who they adored and was always proud of each one of them and their accomplishments.

Reed went to Barber School right after graduating from Clearfield High School, class of 1965, and eventually opened up his own Barber Shop just down the street from their residence in Clearfield. He enjoyed the friendships and all those he came in contact with over the years of cutting hair. Reed and Susan then went to work together for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as custodians, cleaning many churches. Reed and Susan together were employed with the Davis School District where Reed drove a bus for the Special Education children. Susan was always by his side and was his bus assistant for many years. Reed loved all of the children that he took to school and created wonderful friendships with their parents. They were very special spirits and Reed knew just how to care for them as he transported them to and from school.

Reed was a devout member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and held many callings serving the ward members. One of his most treasured callings was Scouts. He was the Scout Master for many years, and he touched the lives of many young boys, teaching them skills that they would carry on through their lives. He went on many camping trips, hikes, and helped them earn badges and onto to earning their Eagles and Reed earned his wood badge. Reed served as a Ward Missionary and Ward Clerk and loved to share the truthfulness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ to all that he would come in contact with. He had a very strong testimony of the Jesus Christ and exemplified Christlike attributes daily.

Reed is survived by his loving wife, Susan Jill Laird Thurgood; his brother, Steven (Sherrell) Thurgood, and his 5 children, Daniel Reed (Nikki) Thurgood of Clearfield, UT, David Allen (Heidi) Thurgood of West Haven, UT, Wendy Kay (Pat) Osborn of West Point, UT, Robert Landen (Kim) Thurgood of Clearfield, UT, and Matthew Ryan (Ashley) Thurgood of West Point, UT. He has 21 grandchildren whom he loved so very much, and 5 great-grandchildren who brought him great joy when they would come over to see him. Reed loved little kids and would always give them a waddler and lots of hugs.

Reed was preceded in death by his parents, Eldon & Virginia Thurgood; brother, Jack Thurgood; sister, Charlene Simper; and a granddaughter, Bethany Osborn. We know that he was greeted by his family on the other side and that we will be with him again someday. We are grateful for the plan of salvation and know that families are forever.

Funeral services will be held on 11:00 a.m. on Monday, July 17, 2023, at the Clearfield Stake Center, 151 North 1000 West, Clearfield, Utah. Friends and relatives may visit the family on Sunday, July 16, 2023, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Lindquist’s Syracuse Mortuary, 869 South 2000 West, and on Monday morning from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the Stake Center. Interment, Syracuse City Cemetery.

Condolences may be shared at: www.lindquistmortuary.com.