Joseph J. Thurman

Joseph J. Thurman, 69 passed away on September 1, 2026, at Lakeland Regional Medical Center in Lakeland, FL, after a brief battle with cancer.

Joe was born on February 19, 1957, in Bellefontaine, OH, to the late Doyle E. and Laura Thurman. He worked for Anthony Farms for many years and then for the Polk County FL Educational System. Joe worked as a custodian, groundskeeper, and in the maintenance department. After retirement, Joe enjoyed taking walks with his sister Marilyn and their dogs and caring for the neighborhood ducks. Joseph was a kindhearted and caring man and was always willing to help others.

Joe’s family includes daughter Joy Long-Thurman (Matthew Meyers), granddaughters, Bella and Samantha. Siblings: Deborah (Larry) Gibbs, Gene Allen Thurman, Marilyn Thurman, Doyle (Wendy) Thurman; step-siblings: Vickey (Jody) Rork, Randy (Jo Reidmiller) Miller, Mike (Tammy) Miller, Brian (Kathy) Miller, as well as numerous nieces and nephews and good family friend Jamie Gomez.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Doyle E. and Laura Thurman; stepmother, Ann Thurman; sister, Deborah (Thurman) Gibbs; and niece, Audra (Thurman) Karns.

Services will be held at Jennings Farley & Seeley Funeral Home, 5591 US Hwy 68 S., West Liberty, OH 43357 on September 11, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. The family will receive friends and family before the service from 12:00 p.m. until the time of the service. Burial will be held at Huntsville Cemetery after the service.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation, 5757 Waterford District Drive, Suite 310, Miami, FL 33126.