Edward Waitman Thurston Jr

Edward Waitman Thurston Jr “Ed” was born in Oak Hill Ohio on October 9,1953 age 71 passed away on September 3, 2025. Ed is preceded in death by parents Edward and Louise Thurston, sisters Sue, Norma, and Rose, brothers Jeff, Bob and Jerry. He is survived by daughter Shyla Thurston (Scott Donaldson) love of his life grandson Kruz, former wife and good friend Debra Thurston, brothers Walt (Judy) Thurston, James Thurston, and sister Sandy Schaffer, Sister-in-law Gwen (Keith) Rader, sister-in-law Tonja Shroyer, nieces, nephews, and lifelong friends he considered family.

Ed was the epitome of hard work. He started a paper route at 9 years old. Ed was in the construction industry for over 50 years and ran a successful commercial general contracting company T-Built Construction Services that he started in 2013. He took immense pride in his craft and believed that honest hard work was the best policy, and his work ethic was one reason he was successful.

Ed loved watching The Columbus Blue Jackets with his daughter and grandson Kruz. He had season tickets in the same seats for over 20 years sharing many great unforgettable memories with Shyla. He also enjoyed music, fishing, watching football and playing golf but most importantly he loved spending time with Kruz. Ed was the sole caretaker of his brother Jim for the past 12 years and deeply cared for him.

Ed fought and beat tonsil cancer in 2021; he was a true fighter. He was so proud of his son-in-law Scott and would introduce him to anyone and let them know he was a hospice nurse.

He cared for people and was one of a kind who believed in always giving someone a second chance. The world was a better place with him. Ed’s legacy is one of integrity, resilience, and love. He will always be the hero he was to Shyla and Kruz. 

A celebration of life will occur at a later date.

Special thanks to the ICU nurses at Fairfield Medical Center for taking such wonderful care and to the amazing staff at Ohio’s Hospice at Licking Memorial Hospital for providing comfort and dignity during this difficult journey. Donations can be made to Ohio’s Hospice of Central Ohio.