Lamont Thurston

Lamont “Mont/Monty” Thurston, 67, passed away on September 13, 2026, in Nixa, Missouri. He was born on October 22, 1958, in Beatrice, Nebraska.

Lamont spent his early childhood living next to the old No. 1 General Store near Huggins, Missouri, which was owned by his grandparents. His childhood in “the country” was an important part of his story and helped shape his lifelong love of the outdoors. In his early teens, his mother, Billie Jo, married Richard “Doc” Mitchem, and Lamont made the move from the country to the “big city” of Mountain Grove, Missouri.

As a young man, Lamont worked around the farm and spent time helping at his stepfather’s clinic. There, he assisted both his mother and “Doc” with numerous tasks, giving him a unique opportunity to help welcome new lives into the community. Those experiences became a memorable part of his younger years.

After graduating high school, Lamont moved to Springfield, Missouri. He briefly worked at Cox Hospital before deciding to challenge himself by applying to the United States Postal Service. He studied hard and passed the postal service examination with flying colors. He went on to build a long and dedicated career with the post office, spending many decades working as a postal clerk and operating the LSM (Letter Sorting Machine) before eventually retiring. His dedication to his work was something he took great pride in.

Outside of work, Lamont had many interests that brought him happiness. He was a devout St. Louis Cardinals and Dallas Cowboys fan and loved following NHRA drag racing. He was also an avid bike rider and enjoyed hunting, fishing, and camping. More than anything, he enjoyed being outdoors and the simple pleasures that came with spending time in nature.

But the greatest source of pride in Lamont’s life was undoubtedly his sons, Kyle and Kent. They were his greatest accomplishments, and being their father was a role he took seriously and cherished deeply.

Lamont never knew his own birth father, and because of that, he was determined to be the best possible father to his sons, Kyle and Kent. He made sure to be present for the moments that mattered, as well as all the everyday moments that became treasured memories. He spent countless hours shooting hoops with them in the driveway, playing catch in the yard, and cheering them on at their various sporting events. He was adamant about being there to support his boys, encouraging them to work hard, believe in themselves, and always strive to be the absolute best they could be.

For Lamont, being a father wasn’t simply a title - it was something he put his heart into. The time he spent with Kyle and Kent, the encouragement he gave them, and the example he tried to set for them, were among the most meaningful parts of his life.

Lamont was preceded in death by his mother, Billie Jo Mitchem; stepfather, Richard “Doc” Mitchem; uncles, Charles “Dean” Crewse and Delbert Crewse; and nephew, Eric Thurston.

He is survived by his brother, Frank Thurston; sons, Kyle Thurston and Kent Thurston; many other family members and friends, who will miss him dearly.

Visitation will be held at the Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home in Mountain Grove, Friday, September 18, 2026, at 9:00 a.m., followed immediately at 10:00 a.m. by his funeral service and burial ceremony.

Lamont will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. While his family will feel his absence in countless ways, the love he gave, the memories he created, and especially the love he poured into his sons, will remain with them always.