Has a Death Occurred? We Are Available 24/7 
Albuquerque (505) 225-8282 | los lunas (505) 226-9908 
Live Chat
Live Chat
Obituary of Thadeus Martin Turpen
On Friday April 22, 2022 Thadeus Martin Turpen passed away at age 65.
He is survived by brother Charles Dwight Turpen, (sister in-law Yolanda Turpen), nieces Pamela Turpen and Genise McGregor, (husband Andrew McGregor), grand-nephews Max McGregor and Sean McGregor, and cousins Douglas Sullivan, Barbara and Keith Boen, and Steven Harvey.
Thad was born February 18, 1957 in Morocco, North Africa to Frieda Sue Turpen and Marvin Dwight Turpen.
Thad’s father Marvin was stationed at the former Sidi Slimane Air Force Base, inland from the capital city Rabat.
As an “air-force-brat” Thad grew up in various locales around the globe. Some notable stops along the way: return from Morocco to Salina, Kansas in 1959; relocated to Offut Air Force Base Omaha, Nebraska in 1962; in 1966 moved to Elmendorf Air Force Base in Anchorage, Alaska, one of Thad’s favorite places; upon his father’s retirement from the Air Force in 1971, the family relocated to Albuquerque, New Mexico, making their home on Matthew St NE.
Thad attended Sandia High School, graduating on June 1, 1975. Thad worked at various jobs including for Cream Land Dairy, and construction on one of the earliest solar homes in Albuquerque. After the untimely death of his mother on February 12, 1985 he devoted his time to living with and caring for his father suffering from Alzheimers until his death on April 6, 1988. Thad moved to Las Vegas, Nevada in the early 1990s where he worked a variety of jobs and was notably reunited with his close friend Calvin Glicco. During his time in Las Vegas he was diagnosed with cancer twice, and successfully fought back each time, ultimately returning to Albuquerque, New Mexico to retire.
He was a true sports fan rooting for the Dallas Cowboys, Kansas City Chiefs and of course the New Mexico Lobos. He loved rock music, especially the Beatles. If you saw Thad at a basketball game, football game or a rock concert you would find a happy man. He was generous with his laughter and was a genuinely sweet and kind soul. He will be greatly missed.
The family would like to thank everyone that has reached out with love, prayers, memories and support. In leu of flowers the family request a donation to the charity of your choice.
Services will be held at Riverside Funeral Home on Friday May 20 from 10am to Noon. A luncheon reception will follow at Sadie’s Mexican Restaurant 6230 Fourth Street NW, Los Ranchos de Albuquerque from 12:45pm - 2:45 pm.
A Memorial Tree was planted for Thadeus
We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ the staff at Riverside Funeral Home of Albuquerque
Share Your Memory of
Thadeus
