Richard Maurice Joseph Thurston

November 16, 1949 – February 20, 2025

Richard Thurston of Wildwood, Missouri (formerly of New Jersey) passed away at Mercy Hospital on February 20, 2025 at the age of 75.

Richard was born in Paris, France to an American dad and French mom, Earle and Josette Thurston, and lived in many places as he grew up, here in the States as well as in Europe. He graduated from the American high school on the military base in Heidelberg, Germany, where his father worked as a teacher for the Dept. of Defense.

Richard earned his bachelor’s degree at the University of Maine, after which he joined the Peace Corps, and spent four years teaching school in Togo, Africa, an experience he treasured for the rest of his life. He then attended the University of Missouri in Columbia, where he earned his doctorate in Political Science.

He began his career as a college educator, with a focus on International Law, teaching at Texas College in Tyler, TX, then at Blackburn College in Carlinville, IL, and finally at St. Peter’s University in Jersey City, NJ, where he served as chairman of the Political Science Dept., and handled the school’s Model U.N. program, taking his students to the conference at Harvard University each year. He also organized St. Peter’s Model U.N. for high schools in New Jersey. He had a great love for teaching and was loved by his students.

Richard married Evelyn (nee Reifel) in 1980, but after many long years, they separated, ending their marriage. Love endured, however, and they continued to remain close, so when Richard suffered a stroke in 2011, he returned home to Evelyn, who became his companion and caregiver for the rest of his life.

At the time of their marriage, Evelyn’s sweet little dog, Quiche Lorraine, stole his heart and brought him so much joy for all the years of her life. Thoughts of her continued to comfort him and make him happy for as long as he lived.

In addition to his teaching, Richard had a special interest and love for trains and wolves, and spent many hours reading about the Civil War. He was also very concerned about the preservation of nature and wildlife, and nature shows were his favorite TV viewing.

We wish to extend many thanks to the staffs of Mercy Hospital and Lutheran Sr. Services Home Health in St. Louis for all their care of Richard over these past years.

Richard is survived by Evelyn; his sister Claire AlJunaibi and nephew Ramzy AlJandali; his cousins: Dana (Janet) Thurston; Gladys (Frank) Hilton; Jean (Richard) Slingsby; Ruth (Michael) Coffey; and Rachel (John) VanHouten; Evelyn’s brother Allan Reifel; brother and sister-in-law Lyle and Barb Reifel; as well as many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents; his Aunt Irene Austin; his Aunt and Uncle Alfreda and Leon Thurston; and his cousin David Harmon; as well as Evelyn’s parents Harry and Luella Reifel; sister and brother-in-law Helen and Les Morrow; sister-in-law Janet Reifel; and nephew Steve Morrow.

Family and friends are invited to attend a time of visitation on Friday March 7, 2025 from 10 AM- 12 PM at Jones, Rich & Barnes Funeral Home, 199 Woodford St. Portland. A funeral service will follow at 12 PM at the funeral home followed by a burial committal service at Evergreen Cemetery in Portland.

If desired, memorial contributions may be made in Richard’s honor to the American Stroke Association at www.stroke.org.