Donald Alan Thurston

Donnie tragically passed away on December 24, 2024, at the age of 59, on Highway 91 in Scenic, Arizona. He was born in Portland, Oregon, on December 10, 1965, to Lonnie E. Thurston and Dorothy J. (Amonson) Thurston. Donnie was raised in the St. Johns neighborhood of Portland and attended James John Elementary School and Benson High School.

After nurturing his passion for welding and creativity for 27 years, he started his metal fabricating business, Thornton Creek Manufacturing (named after his father’s favorite hunting grounds), in 2019. The business began in Oregon and relocated to Scenic, Arizona, in July of 2024.

Donnie had a deep love for the outdoors, enjoying activities such as sand-dunning, hunting, fishing and marveling at the beautiful Arizona sunsets. He cherished adventures with his fiancée. 

He is survived by his fiancée, Melody McDonald, of Scenic, Arizona; his parents, Lonnie and Dorothy Thurston, of Fairview, Oregon; his brother Ronnie (Sherry) Thurston of Vancouver, Washington; his brother Lonnie (Kim) Thurston of Monmouth, Oregon; many nieces and nephews; and countless others who loved him.