Dec 2, 2025

Perryopolis

Thurman Stricklin Wingrove, 94, a lifelong resident of Perryopolis, passed away Saturday, November 29, 2025, in Country Care Manor, Fayette City. He was born April 3, 1931, a son of David and Dicie Wilks Wingrove.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by nine siblings.

Thurman worked for nearly 30 years at the Irvin Works plant of US Steel and spent his entire life pursuing his passion for bluegrass and country music. He was a talented musician and played several instruments despite never having any formal training. He had his own radio show on WCVS in Connellsville in the 1950s under the name “Slim Jones” and played in several bands throughout the 1960s, ’70s and ’80s. In his later years, he performed as a one-man band at local retirement and nursing homes and senior citizen centers.

Thurman is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Dwella Franks Wingrove; two children, Donna Kovalcik (Ed), and Thurman Wingrove (Rhonda); three grandchildren, Christopher Kovalcik, Sam Wingrove, Corinne Wingrove; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Thurman’s family will receive friends from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, December 2, in the BLAIR-LOWTHER FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY, 305 Rear Independence Street, Perryopolis, where a funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, December 3. Interment will follow in Mt. Washington Cemetery, Perryopolis.

Thurman’s family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the personnel at Country Care Manor and OSPTA Hospice for the outstanding care given to Thurman.

Condolences for the family are welcome at blair-lowther.com