Michael Kent Thurmond

Michael Kent Thurmond, 78, of Russiaville, passed away on Thursday, October 30, 2025, at his home. He was born on July 27, 1947, the son of Wiladean (Helton) Thurmond. On September 16, 1978, he married the love of his life Yvonnie M. Smith in Kokomo, IN at Morning Star Church.

Michael was a 1965 graduate of Eastern High School. He attended Ball State University and graduated from Indiana University with a Bachelor's degree in Business. He worked in production at Delco Electronics for 31 years and was a member of UAW 292. After retirement, Michael and Yvonnie moved to Las Vegas where he was a concierge at Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino for ten years. In high school, Michael participated in 4-H, FFA and Art Club. In college, he was a member of Delta Chi Fraternity. Michael loved dogs and horses. He bred, raised and showed horses most of his life and was a member of the Indiana Quarter Horse Association and the American Quarter Horse Association for years. He was proud of the many champion Quarter Horses that he raised, many of whom were offspring of his beloved mare, April. He loved flowers and was a wonderful gardener. Michael was a hard worker who faced challenges with a smile. He was known to be a lucky man, especially when he played blackjack and was well known for finding four-leaf clovers. Michael also loved spending time with his family. He was a member of Calvary Baptist Church in Kokomo.

Along with his wife, Yvonnie Thurmond, he is survived by his sisters, Malinda (Jeff) Wilcox and Melissa (Keith) Chandler; nieces, Cara Elizabeth (Tom) Knuckles and Autumn Smith; nephews, Levi Michael Chandler and Jeremiah Hood; great nephew, Isaiah Hood; great niece, Arlo Knuckles; aunt, Jan McClish; sister-in-law, Catherine Hood; honorary daughter, Susan Ewart; and his dogs, Lola and Willie.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Wiladean Thurmond, and his wife’s parents, Lola Titus and William Smith.

A funeral service celebrating Michael’s life will be held on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, at 1 pm at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory, 1315 W. Lincoln Road, Kokomo. Visitation preceding the service will be from 12pm to 1pm. Burial will follow at Kokomo Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, www.alz.org, or the Kokomo Humane Society, kokomohumanesociety.org. Messages of condolence may be left at www.shirleyandstout.com.

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