Thurston "Turk" Lee Bybee

Thurston Lee Bybee passed away on March 24, 2024, in Delta, CO he was 77 years old

Military funeral honors will be held at Veterans Memorial Cemetery of Western Colorado in Grand Junction, CO on July 19, 2024, at 1:00 PM

Thurston was born on April 20, 1946, in Denver, Colorado to Margaret Shotwell and Vern D Bybee. He grew up in Denver and graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School on June 4, 1964. He continued his education at Adams State College in Alamosa, Colorado and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree majoring in Biology on August 16, 1968.

He served our country in the United States Army from 1970-1972, with the rank of First Lieutenant (1LT).  He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal and the Joint Service Commendation Medal.

Thurston “Turk” as he was known to most, spent most of his early years in Denver, Colorado with pit stops in San Diego, CA, Alexandria, VA, Indianapolis, IN and Phoenix, Az. He moved to the Western Slope in 1992 and called Grand Junction, Colorado home. He settled in Delta, Colorado in 2012 for more of a small-town feel. He worked for Bankers Life and Casualty for many years where he met many people and lifelong friends. He loved seeing his kids, grandkids and friends, driving to new places, exploring nature and photography. His favorite thing to do without a doubt was golf, he had many stories, and so much fun playing!

A quote that perfectly describes Turk and how he lived:

“Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well-preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming “Wow! What a Ride!”

-Hunter S. Thompson

Thurston will be missed by many. He is survived by his daughter, Heidi Okuno; son, TC Bybee; grandchildren, Richard & Alexie Okuno; and younger brother, LD Bybee.

Thurston is preceded in death by his parents, Vern and Margaret Bybee; and his older brother, Vern Bybee II.