Lonnell Thurmond

Deacon Lonnell Thurmond was born on October 17, 1960 at Cook County Hospital to Floyd Vaughan and Alice Thurmond in Chicago, IL. God called him home on Sunday, September 17, 2023.

Lonnell graduated from Marshall High School. After graduating from high school, he and his twin brother, Lindell,  attended Wash Burn Trade School, The Institute of New Cinema Artist School, and then graduated with an Associate’s Degree in Music at Malcolm X College. Deacon Thurmond became one of the best lead guitar players you would ever meet. He and his brother then traveled the world, with Lonnell playing lead guitar. He played lead guitar for several groups and bands, like The Staple Singers, and even opening up for The Temptations at the age of 19. Deacon Thurmond was on tour with Prince in Japan for 30 days. 

After touring in Japan, Deacon Thurmond married the love of his Life, Marilyn Thurmond in 1993. After receiving God in his life, Deacon Lonnell Thurmond began to play gospel music only and played for The Gospel High Notes.

Deacon Lonnell Thurmond was employed with Pace Bus. He worked for Pace for 29-½ years and then retired. Pace Bus and all his employees even knew Deacon Thurmond’s passion for music and how well he played the guitar, that they gifted him with a guitar at his retirement party.  He received the Million Mile Award three times during his employment there.

Deacon Lonnell Thurmond was baptized in Jesus name and received the gift of the Holy Ghost at Christ Temple Apostolic Faith Church, under the leadership of Bishop J.E. Moore, where he became a member, serving as a Deacon and lead guitar player. He was on the board for the Joliet Gospel Fest. He was also a Sunday School Teacher and faithful member to the music department.

Deacon Lonnell Thurmond was preceded in death by his parents, Alice Thurmond and Floyd Vaughan; brother, Edward; aunts, Thelma Ward, Catherine Thurmond, and Annie (Lovie) Lampkin; special cousin, Cynthia Woods; mother and father-in-law, Thomas and Harriet White.

He leaves to cherish his memories, his wife, Marilyn Thurmond; four brothers, Lindell Thurmond (Twin), Floyd Jr, Floyd III, and Lynnell; seven sisters, Latarsha Thurmond, Rochelle, Shirley, Jennette, Evonne, Yalonda, and Jillian; four children, Romell Menter, Kevis Thurmond, Kevin (Nicole) Davis, and Kanesha White; ten grandchildren, Ke’Mon, Ke’Von, Jomarlo Johnson Jr., Ja’Liyah, Armani, Kamiya, Ulysses III, LeVinta, Xavier, and Kanesha; godchildren, Jervon, Christopher, Demetrius Jr., Sheree, Tyler, Montego, Donnovan, Josiah, Jayla, and Alyse.  A special cousin/brother, Ray Lampkin; a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Lonnell Thurmond, please visit our floral store.