Allen "A.J." Thrush

Allen J. (AJ) Thrush, age 78, of Lancaster, passed away in a sudden accident on Oct 20, 2023. He received a BS degree from the Ohio State University and an MBA from the University of Montana. Lt. Colonel Thrush retired as an F-4 fighter pilot after 21 years in the United States Air Force and retired a second time as a Captain from United Air Lines.

AJ was an active member of Fairfield Christian Church and President 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 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 will take place through the Frank E. Smith Funeral Home. There will be a memorial service at Fairfield Christian Church on Sat. Oct 28 at 1PM. Family and friends may call from 11AM until the time of service, and a reception will follow. A graveside service at Greenmound 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.  He was also an active and contributing member of Fairfield Christian Church.  Please see below to make donations in AJ’s name.