Gage Tartarat Thurman Jr.

Gage was a devoted husband, a loving grandfather and great-grandfather, and a man who found joy in the simple things in life. He loved to fish, hunt for treasures at yard sales and flea markets, smoke a good cigar, watch basketball, travel, and spend time with the people he loved most.

Some of his favorite adventures took him to Alaska, a place he loved so much that he visited three times. But for Gage, the best part of any trip was sharing it with his family. He loaded the grandkids into the big van and took them on vacations, always making sure everyone arrived safely and came home with stories to tell.

Above all else, Gage loved his wife, Elizabeth “Libby” Thurman, with extraordinary devotion throughout their 65 years of marriage. He was her driver, protector, companion, and constant. He would take her anywhere she wanted to go—even places that terrified him. Despite his fear of heights, he would brave the scary roads and high places so Libby could get the best view. And if she wanted to spend hours at the casino, Gage was perfectly content to wait for her, listening to talk radio until she was ready to go. Wherever Libby wanted to be, Gage made sure she got there safely.

That same steady love extended to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was an amazing grandpa—the kind who showed up, took care of his family, made memories, and made the people he loved feel safe. His family will remember not only the things he enjoyed, but the way he loved: loyally, consistently, and through his actions.

He was preceded in death by his son, Gage Thurman III, and his siblings, Brent Haeberlin and Reed Haeberlin.

Gage leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife of 65 years, Elizabeth “Libby” Thurman; his siblings, Barbara Rubsch, Susan Mitchell, Dee Dee Haeberlin, Leigh Ann Haeberlin, Elois Marinelli, and Lauren Stehle; his grandchildren, Stacy Thurman Borah (Edward), Gage Thurman IV, Amy Aubrey, and Katie Raisor (Dylan); and his great-grandchildren, Michael Aubrey, Aaron Aubrey, Elisa Claire Thurman, Patricia Abigail Borah, and Edward William Borah.

His family will remember his adventures, his humor, his loyalty, and the countless ordinary moments that became extraordinary simply because Grandpa was there. Most of all, they will remember a man who loved his family deeply and spent his life showing it.

A memorial gathering for Gage will be held on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, from 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Heady-Radcliffe Funeral Home, 706 West Jefferson Street, La Grange, KY 40031.