Joel Ross Thatcher

Joel Ross Thatcher, 21, of Ohio City, died at 3 a.m. Wednesday, April 4, 2012, on Ohio City-Venedocia Road in Liberty Township of injuries received in an auto accident.

He was born August 22, 1990, in Lima, the son of Audie L. and Susan E. (Waterman) Thatcher of Ohio City.

Joel was a 2009 graduate of Van Wert High School and formerly attended Huntington University on a track and field scholarship. He worked at Cooper Farms Cooked Meats in Van Wert.

Ross was much loved by his family and friends. He loved life to the fullest and was never afraid to push his own boundaries, including growing his beloved dreadlocks. He had a selfless heart and soul. He was always able to look past the superficial layers in people and accepted them for who and what they truly were. He will forever be in our hearts and will be missed.

In addition to his parents, survivors include paternal grandparents Harvey and Delores Thatcher of Middle Point; a brother, Dr. Jacob “Jake” (Dr. Rebecca Adams) Jones of Van Wert; one sister, Meg E. Thatcher of District of Columbia; two nieces, Debbie and Libby Jones; and a nephew, Jackson Jones.

His maternal grandmother, Meda Belle (High) Waterman, preceded him in death.

Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 7, at Calvary Evangelical Church in Van Wert, with Pastor Steven Waterman officiating. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery in Ohio City.

Calling hours are from 1-8 p.m. Friday, April 6, and from noon-2 p.m. Saturday, both at Calvary Evangelical Church.

Preferred memorials: Van Wert High School track and field.

Arrangements were handled by Cowan & Son Funeral Home in Van Wert.

Messages of condolence may be sent to www.cowanfuneralhome.com.