Allen J. (AJ) Thrush, age 78, of Lancaster, suddenly passed away in an accident on Oct. 20, 2023. He received a bachelor's degree from the Ohio State University and an MBA from the University of Montana. Lt. Col. Thrush retired from the United States Air Force after 21 years as a fighter pilot and retired a second time as a captain from United Air Lines.
AJ was an active member of Fairfield Christian Church and on the board of Green Mound Cemetery. He was an avid fisherman and hunter and enjoyed caring for his orchard and garden. AJ was selfless and spent regular time studying the Bible, loving and pouring into others. He adored his high school sweetheart and wife of 55 years, Mary Anne, and was happiest surrounded by her, his family and friends.
AJ is survived by his wife, Mary Anne; children, Stacy (Denny) Bender and Jason (Katie) Thrush; grandchildren, Gabbie, Reid, and Ainsley Bender, Gracie and Mary Claire Thrush; sisters, Sue Moore and Aura Lee Norris; several nieces and nephews and many close friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Mildred Crumley Thrush; and brother, Billy Thrush.
Caring Cremation™ has taken place through the Frank E. Smith Funeral Home. There will be a memorial service at Fairfield Christian Church on Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. Family and friends may call from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service, and a reception will follow. A graveside service at Green Mound Cemetery with military honors will take place at a later date.
AJ volunteered for Samaritan’s Purse, a Christian organization founded by Franklin Graham, and was fulfilled by this mission. He spent a week in Kentucky building homes this summer and planned to return in January.
*All obituaries are submitted by family and friends of the deceased.
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