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Joseph Thrasher

November 24, 2017
Kalamazoo, MI

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Son of Percy and Gracie (Shelton) Thrasher, passed away November 24, 2017, at the age of 89. Joseph was a loyal man who cared deeply for his family and friends. Although he was a hardworking Michigan man for most of his life, his roots and heart were in Alabama. Born October 22, 1928, in Decatur, Alabama, he grew up there, learning the values of determination, loyalty, and sacrifice while working in the cotton fields. Joe served dutifully in the U.S. Army in Korea from 1950-52. On March 18, 1956, he married Freida (Tyler) Thrasher in Bristol, Indiana, shortly after relocating to Michigan. For 33 years he worked as a Millwright for Eaton Corp. in Parchment, Michigan. His hard work was driven by his love for his family. Joe always found ways to farm and live off the land in order to provide for his family. He was the father of 3, grandfather to 8 and great grandfather to 6. He enjoyed spending time with others playing golf and bowling. A long-time member at Westwood Church of God in Kalamazoo, his faith in God sustained him through many hard times and inspired many of his friends and family. Joe is survived by his wife of 61 years, Freida. Also surviving are two children, Joseph (Becky) Thrasher of Littleton, Colorado, Diana (Dan) Deitrich of Baroda, Michigan; sister, Aline (Max) Wiley of Danville, Alabama; eight grandchildren: Daniel (Katherine), Nicholas (Mary), Matthew (Emily), Kristin, Skye (Kelsey Ford), Kyla (Brandon Andrus), Joseph, and Chesra; six great-grandchildren: Calvin, Jack, Jovie, Amelia, Miles, and James; Sisters-in-law, Nadine Thrasher and Janice Thrasher; Brother-in-law Lawrence LaMarche; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Peggy Thrasher in 2009; three brothers, Wendell, Arnold and Dean Thrasher; two sisters, Imogene LaMarche and Shelby Thrasher. Friends will be received 5-8 pm, Monday, November 27, 2017 at Parchment Redmond Funeral Home where services will be held 12:30 pm Tuesday. Interment will be in Ft. Custer National Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Battle Creek Veterans Affairs Hospital where he was lovingly cared for during the last six years.