Thurman C. Schwettman

In the evening hours of October 7th, 2010, Thurman Clifton Schwettman left this earth for his new home in heaven. Upon his departure, dad was surrounded by his family and loved ones to bid him farewell in the promise that he would prepare his new home in heaven for the rest of his loved ones to follow.

Thurman Clifton Schwettman (TC) was born April 19th, 1930 in Houston, TX to Fred and Edna Schwettman. Thurman had an extremely difficult childhood up until he left his home for California at the age of 15 with $5.00 in his pocket. TC began working seasonal odd jobs to support him self which included picking apples, grapes and other various commodities including fighting fires for a summer. He followed the picking migration from California to Arkansas until he joined the oil field boom at the age of 16 in 1946.

The oil field work took TC from Texas to Oklahoma to Colorado in a five-year span, where at the age of 20 he met a 17-year-old beauty named Betty Ellen Johnston in Adam City, Colorado. Because of the conflict in Korea, Thurman volunteered and joined the marines at the age of 21. TC was sent to Korea where he fought for his country until his discharge from the marines in 1953. Thurman returned to Colorado where he drove up to Betty’s home and loaded her and her mother in his car and drove non-stop to Raton, NM and got married on August 12, 1953. TC, Betty and her mother immediately turned around and drove back non-stop to Adams City, Colorado, where they dropped off Betty’s mother and began their life of 57 years together.

Thurman picked up where he left off and continued working in the oil field for the next several years where he and Betty traveled to numerous States and locations. TC and Betty wanted a home and because of the constant travel they purchased a travel trailer and made it their home. Starting a new family in a travel trailer evolved into TC and Betty being able to set-up and tear down in less than 30 minutes, which included the white picket fence they always put around the trailer. TC and Betty were out growing their trailer with their new family, so TC decided to work local in the Denver area and move into a home. TC went to work for Mobil Premix sand and Gravel Company. TC worked six days a week, 12 hours a day for 25 years until he retired.

Thurman was a man of impeccable character and integrity. He was a man of faith and loved the Lord with all his heart. He was a man that lived by simple rules in life; honesty, truth and commitment. Thurman put down a large footprint that encompassed affection, honor, giving, laughter, kindness and compassion for his family and loved ones to step into and follow by example. Because of his unwavering commitment to his family and friends, Thurman left this earth a proud and accomplished man.

On a more personal note: Our dad was a man that loved the simple things in life. He loved homemade ice cream, coffee with creamer, pie, tapioca pudding and chocolate frosty’s. Dad loved his fresh grown tomatoes and his beautiful roses. He loved his family around him at all times and loved to tease everyone whenever the opportunity arose. Dad loved to play games and cards and was extremely competitive as well as a good sport. Dad and Mom played numerous games of Yahtzee daily. Dad also was known as the candy man at dialysis.

Thurman Clifton Schwettman is survived by his wife Betty and five children: Mike and Lisa Schwettman of Denver, Mark and Michelle Schwettman of Durango, Tammy and Dave Evans of Delta, Matt and Jenice Schwettman of Denver and Janna and Mike Herndon of Fruita a brother Gene and wife Monica Schwettman of De Funiak Springs, FL, two step sisters Georgette McKean of LA, Joyce Murry of LA, fifteen grand children and thirteen great grandchildren.

Dad will be deeply missed by all.