| Graduation Year | Faculty |
| Date of Birth | Jun 18, 1948 |
| Date of Passing | Aug 31, 2024 |
| About | Thurman L. Landers Sr. was born on June 18, 1948, in Monroe, LA, to Matlean Landers and Charlie Willis. In the early 1950s, Matlean, along with her sons Melvin and Thurman, relocated to Richland, WA, where she met and married Fred Williams, fondly known by family and friends as "Citation." Together, Fred and Matlean raised six boys in Yakima, WA, with Thurman being the second eldest. Thurman passed away peacefully on August 31, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. He attended Barge-Lincoln Elementary School, Washington Junior High, and graduated from A.C. Davis High School in 1967. Thurman excelled in both wrestling and student government. Under the mentorship of his older brother, Mel Hollis, and Wrestling Coach Glynn "Gabby" Moore, he developed into an outstanding wrestler. After graduating, he enrolled at Central Washington State College (CWSC) in Ellensburg, WA, where he majored in Physical Education and earned his masters. He thrived in wrestling under Hall of Fame coach Eric Beardsley, securing the NAIA National Wrestling Championship in 1970 at the 142 lb. weight class. In his senior year, he placed 6th at the NAIA National Wrestling Championships. Thurman often reflected on the hard work that led to his success, reminding others that champions are made, not born. In 1984, Thurman was inducted into the Central Washington University Athletic Hall of Fame. His bio reads: "Thurman Landers (142) - Landers, a 1971 graduate in physical education, works for a legal service insurance company in Portland, Ore. He was head wrestling coach at Grant High School in Portland, leading his team to two city championships. He also served as head wrestling coach at Davis and Eisenhower High School in Yakima and Interlake High School in Bellevue, WA. He and his family are active in the Portland churches, and he is chairman of the Deacon Ministry. Thurman and his wife, Kathy, have a daughter and son." Thurman married his soulmate, Kathy, in 1972. The two met in middle school through their church youth group, and their love story spanned more than four decades until Kathy's passing in 2016. They were proud parents to daughter Karissa (Palmer) and son Lee Landers, both of Portland, OR. Together, they ensured their children were grounded in faith, involved in the community, and connected to family. Thurman and Kathy were active parents, keeping Karissa and Lee involved in extracurricular activities and sports, always prioritizing their education and spiritual growth. A man of deep faith, Thurman dedicated himself to the church. In his early years, he sang in the church choir, The Gospel Notes, and served as a Sunday School teacher and leadership instructor. His religious journey included roles at Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Seattle, WA, Greater Faith Baptist Church in Yakima, WA, and Mt. Olivet Baptist Church in Portland, OR, where he and Kathy were committed members of the congregation. Thurman served as the chair of the deacon ministry while Kathy sang in the choir and served as a deaconess. They devoted themselves to serving the church body and the wider community for many years, even after moving to Portland in 1989. Thurman's passion for education and Black History made him a well-known figure in his children's high school, where he frequently engaged with students, teaching and mentoring. He coached his son Lee and several of Lee's friends in wrestling in the late 1990s, leading the team to state championships. Whether he was in the classroom, the wrestling room, or the halls of U.S. Grant High School, Thurman was known as a motivator and father figure for many, always with a smile, a keen sense of humor, and his signature wisdom. Thurman had a flair for the unexpected. Among his lesser-known talents was his role as manager of a breakdancing group in Yakima during the 1980s, competing in city and state competitions. He also practiced martial arts, earning a 2nd-degree black belt in Shudokan Karate. Known as Sensei Landers, he taught karate at the Charles Jordan and Peninsula Park Community Centers in Portland. His classes always ended with the motto, "Good, better, best. Never let it rest till the good gets better, and the better gets best." His students credit his mentorship with guiding them into successful adulthood. In his professional life, Thurman thrived as a salesman with The Franklin Life Insurance Company. Starting in Bellevue, WA, and later moving to Portland, OR, Thurman's clients admired his knowledge, humor, and genuine care. He formed lifelong relationships with many of them through his work. Thurman is survived by his daughter Karissa Palmer, son-in-law Dwight Palmer, son Thurman Lee Landers Jr. (Jessica), and grandchildren Jaylen, Kyla Palmer, and Mykeilla Landers, all of Portland, OR. He also leaves behind his brother Stacy Williams of Temple, TX, his aunt Marge Holmes of Seattle, WA, numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and a host of dear friends. Thurman was preceded in death by his wife, Kathy, his parents Fred and Matlean, and his brothers Melvin Hollis, Gregory Williams, Vernon Williams, and George Williams. Thurman was a beloved husband, father, brother, friend, and mentor, and his legacy of love, wisdom, and service will continue to inspire all who knew him. He will be deeply missed. |
