OBITUARY | 2010-06-29
Samuel Robert Thrush III, 87, of Tuscarawas, died peacefully June 23, 2010, at his home with his loving wife at his side, following a period of declining health.A son of the late Dr. Samuel Robert Jr. and Florence Thrush, Sam was born Sept. 9, 1922, in Uhrichsville. He was a 1940 graduate of the former Uhrichsville High School and went on to attend The Ohio State University, Columbus, where he obtained a Bachelor of Science in chemical engineering in 1947.A manager of Dover Chemical Company during its infancy, Sam spent nine years with the firm and played an instrumental roll in the firms growth and development prior to moving into other business ventures. Through the years, he became a prominent businessman throughout the Tuscarawas Valley, having held controlling interest in New Phila Aviation, now Harry-Clever Field, being a partner and manager of Atwood Lake Golf Club, owning the former McCurdy Candy Company, Thrush Piano Company, Ultra Swift Homes, as well as owning and operating his own chemical company, S.R. Thrush Chemical Company, and operating numerous divisions from it.Sam was an avid pilot and enjoyed flying his small planes throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, Guatemala, and the Caribbean Islands. He also enjoyed playing poker and taking trips with friends and neighbors to Wheeling Island to play Texas Hold-em. Additionally, he enjoyed fishing, golfing, and playing pool, and had won a championship doing so while at Ohio State.Following retirement, Sam and his wife, Mary Lou, traveled together for the better part of 20 years throughout the western region of the United States.Surviving are his wife, Mary Lou Thrush, whom he married in 1946; son, Gregory W. Thrush of Winston-Salem, N.C., two grandchildren, Mary Ann (David) Zimmerman of Canton and Samuel Charles Thrush of Indianapolis, Ind.; and his wonderful friends and neighbors.He was preceded in death by a son, Jeffrey Robert Thrush.Graveside services for family and friends were held June 25, 2010, in Evergreen Burial Park, New Philadelphia, with Rev. Richard Greenwood officiating.Personal condolences and memories of Sam may be shared by signing his online register at http://www.geibcares.com.Those wishing to do so may make memorial contributions in his name to First Presbyterian Church, 217 E. High Ave., New Philadelphia 44663.
