Thurston Dee Goracke, 38, of Phillipsburg, Kansas, passed away at home on Sept. 12, 2017.

Thurston was born in Phillipsburg to Harvey and Sandy (Calhoon) Goracke on May 10, 1979. He attended Phillipsburg High School, where he was a proud member of the football and wrestling team.

Following graduation Thurston moved to Hutchinson, Kansas, where he attended Hutchinson Community College. He graduated with an Associate’s Degree in Business along with multiple programs which included certification as a machinist and welder. In addition to his business degree, he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Organizational Management from Wilmington University.

Thurston was a veteran who served in the United States Marine Corp and the Air Force National Guards. He was involved with numerous Disabled Veterans, Homeless Veterans, and other outreach programs which help to ensure quality of care for fellow Marines.

In 2015, Thurston returned to Phillipsburg to help his dad on the farm.

Thurston Dee Goracke is preceded in death by maternal grandparents, Willis W. Calhoon and Ruby G. Calhoon; paternal grandparents, Francis Goracke and Tillie Goracke; and stepmom, Marilyn Goracke, all of Phillipsburg.

He is survived by his parents, Sandy Calhoon and family and Harvey Goracke of Phillipsburg; his sister, Tabetha Gray, and nieces and nephew, Alliyah, Tavian and D’Naeya Gray, all of Hutchinson, KS.

Funeral services will be held at Saturday, Sept. 16, 2017 at 10 a.m. in the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, Phillipsburg, with Rev. Jon B. Gray officiating. Burial will follow in the Marvin Cemetery, Glade, Kansas with military honors by the U. S. Marine Corps.

Visitation will be Thursday from 5 to 9 p.m. and Friday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the funeral home in Phillipsburg.

Memorial contributions may be given to Phillips County 4-H Shooting Sports or the Boys & Girls Club of Hutchinson.