Obituary of Charles Thurston McKusick, III

Mr. Charles Thurston “Thursty” McKusick, III, 85 of Johnnycake Road, Mohawk, NY passed away September 4, 2020 at the Little Falls Hospital of natural causes, surrounded by his beloved family. He was born on March 11, 1935, the son of Charles T. McKusick II, and Natalie Whitman McKusick Derby at the Little Falls Hospital. He graduated from Little Falls high School, Class of 1953 and he proudly served his country in the US Army, as a radar specialist, which he trained for at Ft. Bliss Texas, and was assigned to GOGTN AAA battalion. While enlisted he attended the CBR school at Fort McCullan, Alabama, and was the battalion instructor. Thursty served his apprenticeship in trade school and became a journeyman electrician, then union electrician for local union #181 (which merged with Local 43, IBEW, Syracuse). He was instrumental in starting the Danube Snowdrifters snowmobile club, in 1968, and served as past president and secretary. He also started the Shumaker Mountain Climbers Club, and served as the Vice-President, and secretary of the club. In 2001 he was awarded the snowmobile groomer of the year award for his trail grooming efforts. Thurtsy had served twice as master of Little Falls Masonic Lodge #181 and served Five Times as high priest of Asterogan Chapter of the Royal Arch Masons. At one time he belonged to the Little Falls Commandry and Oneonta Council of Royal and Select Masters. Also, he had served as past Patron of the Rock City order of the Eastern Star. He was a member of the Emmanuel Episcopal Church maintaining their electrical needs along with supplying garlic for dinners. Thursty also loved to hunt, and always had a big garden. On January 19, 1957 he was united in marriage to his sweetheart Ethel at the first Presbyterian Church, by Pastor Harold Thompson Samuel. Survivors include his loving wife Ethel of 63 years; his four children; Daughters, Joyce and Thomas Whitcomb, Lynda and Johnny Wratten, and Elizabeth “Beth” and Garth Rice; Son John R. McKusick; 6 Grandchildren; and 10 Great Grandchildren. All are invited to attend a Memorial Service that will be held on Wednesday September 9th at 11:00 am, at the Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 588 Albany Street, Little Falls, NY 13365, while following state recommended guidelines for Covid-19, practicing social distancing, and wearing a mask. For anyone not feeling comfortable to attend the services please feel free to leave the family your condolences and or sign the online guestbook at www.chapmanmoserfuneralhome.com .