Roll Call Tribute
Thurman Wathen '46 August 17, 2016 9:07 AM updated: August 17, 2016 9:10 AM
(Published in) The (Roseburg OR) News-Review (on) Aug 1, 2016
Thurman Richard “Shug” Wathen
Thurman Richard “Shug” Wathen was born in Athens, Texas, on June 6, 1925, one of six children born to Sarah Elizabeth Evans and Ben Hudson Wathen. On the morning of Monday, July 25, 2016, Shug passed away at home in Roseburg, from congestive heart failure. He was 91 years old.
Shug served in the United States Marine Corps in WWII, after which he attended and graduated from Texas A & M University with a Masters Degree in Civil Engineering. For the majority of his professional life, Shug worked for the Army Corps of Engineers. His specialty was to concrete pavement and earth filled dams. His work afforded and necessitated his travel, far and wide, worldwide.
He always loved sharing stories of his fascinating travels. As chief engineer for the shuttle landing facility in Cape Canaveral, FL, Shug facilitated a workable peace between the Sierra Club and NASA, in order to proceed with the work at hand, while at the same time protecting the environment.
Upon retirement from the Army Corps of Engineers, Shug went to work for Morrison Knudsen until his retirement. He came out of retirement to consult on a dam project in Oregon. This uprooted Shug, and his wife, Julie, from their home in California. This temporary move lasted twenty years, as they made friends and became a part of the Roseburg community.
Some of Shug’s favorite hobbies included sailing, reading and dancing to the sounds of big band and Texas swing music. He also loved a glass of good red wine.
Shug is survived by his wife of nearly 69 years, Julie; his sons Ben (JoAnn), Dan, John (Ann); his sister, Martha; grandchildren Joshua (Sunny), Andrew (Jessica), Jeffrey and Allison; great grandsons Josh, Mason and Jake; and many nieces and nephews.
Shug loved his family dearly. And his family loved him deeply in return. He was smart, funny, and an excellent storyteller. Shug will always remain with us, as he was so generous sharing his life stories. As friends of the family so eloquently stated; “He was a GIANT of love, kindness, intelligence and a true Southern Gentleman.” We extend our deep appreciation to the loving caregivers at Riverview Terrace as well as to the hospice workers at Amedisys. A private memorial will be held at a later date.
Thurman Richard “Shug” Wathen
Thurman Richard “Shug” Wathen was born in Athens, Texas, on June 6, 1925, one of six children born to Sarah Elizabeth Evans and Ben Hudson Wathen. On the morning of Monday, July 25, 2016, Shug passed away at home in Roseburg, from congestive heart failure. He was 91 years old.
Shug served in the United States Marine Corps in WWII, after which he attended and graduated from Texas A & M University with a Masters Degree in Civil Engineering. For the majority of his professional life, Shug worked for the Army Corps of Engineers. His specialty was to concrete pavement and earth filled dams. His work afforded and necessitated his travel, far and wide, worldwide.
He always loved sharing stories of his fascinating travels. As chief engineer for the shuttle landing facility in Cape Canaveral, FL, Shug facilitated a workable peace between the Sierra Club and NASA, in order to proceed with the work at hand, while at the same time protecting the environment.
Upon retirement from the Army Corps of Engineers, Shug went to work for Morrison Knudsen until his retirement. He came out of retirement to consult on a dam project in Oregon. This uprooted Shug, and his wife, Julie, from their home in California. This temporary move lasted twenty years, as they made friends and became a part of the Roseburg community.
Some of Shug’s favorite hobbies included sailing, reading and dancing to the sounds of big band and Texas swing music. He also loved a glass of good red wine.
Shug is survived by his wife of nearly 69 years, Julie; his sons Ben (JoAnn), Dan, John (Ann); his sister, Martha; grandchildren Joshua (Sunny), Andrew (Jessica), Jeffrey and Allison; great grandsons Josh, Mason and Jake; and many nieces and nephews.
Shug loved his family dearly. And his family loved him deeply in return. He was smart, funny, and an excellent storyteller. Shug will always remain with us, as he was so generous sharing his life stories. As friends of the family so eloquently stated; “He was a GIANT of love, kindness, intelligence and a true Southern Gentleman.” We extend our deep appreciation to the loving caregivers at Riverview Terrace as well as to the hospice workers at Amedisys. A private memorial will be held at a later date.
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