ASHLEY – The late William R. Thurston is recently remembered for his service in Oxford Township.

Thurston died on February 3 at the age of 91. He was born on Ashley’s family farm, received an agriculture degree from Ohio State University, and worked as a farmer. He was also active in the community, as a member of the Delaware County Farm Bureau since 1952 and the Delaware Bible Church since 1965. Thurston and his late wife, Shirley, were a fixture at the Delaware County Fair, and he was a Councilor. 4-H for 65 years, according to his obituary. He was also instrumental in the construction of the Buckeye Valley Music Boosters building at the fairgrounds.

The Thurstons were also the Grand Marshals of the Delaware July 4 Parade in 2015.

At the Oxford Township Board of Directors meeting on February 9, Administrator Steve Lewis said he “would like to see recognition from William Thurston for all of his hard work and dedication to the Township of Oxford. whether it be a resolution, a proclamation or any other suggestion ”. the minutes are read. The directors continued the discussion at their next meeting on March 9. Lewis and fellow trustees James Hatten and Craig Pittman have appointed alternate Scott Lucas to fill the vacant seat of the Oxford Township Zoning Commission board member due to Thurston’s death. The mandate expires on December 31, 2022.

The trustees then unanimously approved the following proclamation, as recorded in the minutes:

“A resolution of sincere appreciation in honor of William R. Thurston

WHEREAS William R. Thurston served Delaware County and Oxford Township his entire life; and

WHEREAS William R. Thurston served on the Delaware County Regional Planning Commission for 45 years; and

WHEREAS William R. Thurston served on the Mid ‐ Ohio Regional Planning Commission for 19 years; and

WHEREAS William R. Thurston served as administrator of the Township of Oxford for 44 years; and

WHEREAS William R. Thurston has served as Past President of the Delaware County Trustees’ and Clerks Association; and

WHEREAS William R. Thurston was a member of the Ashley Union Cemetery Board of Directors; and

WHEREAS William R. Thurston has served his community tirelessly throughout his life; and

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the Trustees of the Township of Oxford honor and are grateful for the commitment and exceptional service of William R. Thurston to his family, county and township.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I hereby place my hand this March 9, 2021. “

The certificate of proclamation was given to Thurston’s family, the minutes read.

Gary Budzak can be reached at 740-413-0906 or on Twitter @GaryBudzak.