Thurman and Betty Hooper celebrated 65 years of marriage on June 1, 2012. Upon returning from service in World War II, Thurman married Betty N. Maupin on June 1, 1947. He worked at the S & S Grocery in Durant until they opened Thurman’s Sausage Company which they operated until retirement. Both were born and raised in Bryan County. They also raised two children here, Lynda Smiley of Durant and Steve Hooper of McKinney, Texas. They have four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. They have always been active at Fairview Baptist Church in Durant.