Wayne T. Thrush, Jr.

Born December 10, 1929 in Burlington, West Virginia

Died April 19, 2021 in Silver Spring, Maryland

He was the son of the late Wayne Taylor Thrush Sr. and Sadie Catherine Thrush of Burlington, West Virginia.

He served in the United States Air Force during the Korean War and was stationed in Guam.

After returning from the service, he completed his Bachelor of Science Degree in Agriculture at West Virginia University in 1958.

He spent several years in a work study program at the United States Department of Agriculture and was then selected for an administrative intern program. He eventually became the Assistant Director for Management of the former Soil and Water Conservation Research Division. In 1970 he became the Deputy Director of the Management Services Division and in 1972 assumed responsibility for the Research Agreement Program in ARS. He was then promoted to Chief of the Research Agreements Branch, Acquisition and Assistance Division.

He retired in 1985 after 33 years of dedicated and outstanding public service.

He was involved in construction and remodeling continuously throughout his life, from constructing the family home in Beltsville, to numerous deck builds, remodel projects, entire home construction, his family and friends kept him busy. His attention to detail was his trademark.

In retirement, he held a position with a local custom home builder as a final delivery quality control supervisor. He made many happy new homeowners often correcting issues with finishes the customer wasn’t even aware of.

His second love was fishing on the Chesapeake Bay for Rockfish, Bluefish and Mackerel.

His many friends and family have memorable fishing trips over the years on The Nancy Ellen, and then on Almost Heaven.

He entered many fishing tournaments over the years and has several State Citations for Rockfish, and a trophy for “Captain Most Fish”.

In addition to boating, Wayne enjoyed spending time at his family farm in Burlington, West Virginia. He loved hunting and fishing and just about anything outdoors.

He is survived by his former wife Nancy Thrush of Beltsville, Maryland

His Daughter Jeanne Wheeler, Beltsville, Maryland and her son Kevin Haag and wife Tanya Haag, his great granddaughter Catherine (Katie) Taylor Haag that was named in honor of her Great GreatGrandmother and her Great Grandfather.

His Son Kirk Thrush and wife Melissa Thrush of Easton, Maryland and their three children Kyle Thrush, Kelley Thrush and Casey Thrush as well as two grandchildren Olivia Thrush and Lincoln Thrush

His Son Bryan Thrush and his wife Lisa, Glenwood, Maryland and their children Morgan and Garrett.

His Daughter Kimberly Weber (deceased) Kent Weber, her Husband, Laurel, Maryland, and their 4 children, Ashley Lichtfuss and husband  Adam and their son Braden, Austin Weber, Aimee Weber and Aspen Weber, (whom he was so proud that she is attending West Virginia University, his Alma Mater).