Joseph Winford Thrasher

Joseph “Joe” Winford Thrasher, son of Percy and Gracie (Shelton) Thrasher,passed away November 24, 2017, at the age of 89. Joseph was a loyal man whocared deeply for his family and friends. Although he was a hardworking Michigan man for most of his life, his roots andheart were in Alabama. Born October 22, 1928, in Decatur, Alabama, he grew upthere, learning the values of determination, loyalty, and sacrifice while working inthe 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 afterrelocating 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 hisfamily. He was the father of 3, grandfather to 8 and great grandfather to 6. Heenjoyed spending time with others playing golf and bowling. A long-timemember at Westwood Church of God in Kalamazoo, his faith in God sustainedhim 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 (KelseyFord), Kyla (Brandon Andrus), Joseph, and Chesra; six great-grandchildren:Calvin, Jack, Jovie, Amelia, Miles, and James; Sisters-in-law, Nadine Thrasherand Janice Thrasher; Brother-in-law Lawrence LaMarche; and several nieces andnephews. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Peggy Thrasher in 2009; threebrothers, Wendell, Arnold and Dean Thrasher; two sisters, Imogene LaMarcheand Shelby Thrasher. Friends will be received 5-8 pm, Monday, November 27, 2017 at ParchmentRedmond Funeral Home where services will be held 12:30 pm Tuesday.Interment will be in Ft. Custer National Cemetery. Memorial contributions maybe made to the Battle Creek Veterans Affairs Hospital where he was lovinglycared for during the last six years. www.redmondfuneralhomes.net