Thurman Ray Simpson

Thurman Ray Simpson, 56, of Tecumseh, Oklahoma, passed away on February 28, 2025. He was born on December 5, 1968, to Rudolph Simpson and Shirley (Spoon) Simpson.

Thurman started building powerlines at the age of 16 and continued this line of work for numerous companies until his death. He was a joker and loved being with friends and family. His family knows all about powerline work. They built countless miles of powerlines because when they were all together, that’s what the topic of conversation was about. He was very serious about his work. If they weren’t building powerlines, they were hauling hay or cutting wood. He was a jack-of-all-trades and a teacher to so many. He was an Absentee Tribe member and believed in our ceremonies.

Thurman was preceded in death by his parents, Rudolph and Shirley Simpson.

Thurman is survived by two sisters, Lesa Simpson and Alex Blanchard of Tecumseh, and Flo Mann and Glenn Mann of Tecumseh; brothers, John Spoon of Shawnee and Roger Simpson of Oklahoma City; daughters, Lillie Simpson of Tecumseh, and Raechel Simpson of Tecumseh; two grandchildren, Hunter Simpson and Magenta Simpson of Tecumseh; nieces, Hillary Spoon and Chelsey Blanchard; nephews, John Spoon Jr. and Henry Blanchard; honorary brothers: Brian Murdock and Kieven Williams of Newalla, and Timothy Martinez of New Mexico.

Tribal rites will begin Saturday evening, March 1, 2025, at Brendle Corner with burial to follow at the Spoon Family Cemetery.