Jay Edward Thurston

March 3, 1952 – April 1, 2022

Jay Edward Thurston, 70, of Norwalk, passed away late Friday evening, April 1, 2022, at Fisher-Titus Medical Center in Norwalk.

Jay was born on March 3, 1952, in Norwalk, OH to the late Ruth (Johnson) and J.E. Thurston.

Jay graduated from Monroeville High School and E.H.O.V.E in 1971 with a degree in industrial electricity and was twice awarded as class foreman. Following graduation, Jay worked for Plymouth ELEC for two years before moving to Fort Wayne, IN and joining the Carpenter's Union. In 1982, he started Jay's Home Improvement where he successfully ran the business until health issues arised.

Jay is best known for his ability to skillfully craft furniture. One of his greatest passions was making beautiful pieces for his children, grandchildren, nieces, and great nieces. In his spare time, Jay enjoyed fishing, canoeing, and camping. As long as health allowed, Jay made a yearly camping and fishing trip on the Huron River, usually accompanied by his grandson Gavin, who went on his first trip at six years old.

Jay is survived by his 4 children, Josh (Becky Boone) Thurston of Toledo, Jay Curtis Thurston of Norwalk, Kelly (Bill) Frey of Tuscon, Arizona, and Kristi (Ray) Wyant of Norwalk; 8 grandchildren, Alana, Alexa, Summer, Gavin, Ella, Luke, Clara, and Jacob; friend and mother of his children, Mary Beth Dunham of West Salem; 7 siblings, Marcus Thurston of Sandusky, Elida Jean Snyder of Norwalk, Robert Thurston of Crystal Rock, John (Bev) Thurston of Monroeville, Ruth Anne Blackburn of Utah, James Thurston of Toledo, Kathy Larsen of Utah and many nieces, nephews, and other loving relatives.

In addition to his parents, Jay was preceded in death by his brothers David Thurston and Joseph Thurston in infancy.

A funeral mass will be held on Tuesday, April 5, 2022, at 10:30 am at St. Mary Mother of the Redeemer Church, 38 W. League Street, Norwalk, OH 44857. Walker-Eastman-Heydinger Funeral Home is honored to assist the family with arrangements.

Those wishing to contribute to Jay's memory may do so to one's favorite charity.

Condolences and fond memories may be shared online at www.walkereastmanheydingerfh.com.