Joseph William Thurston

Joseph William Thurston

1947-2023

Dr. Joseph “Joe” William Michael Thurston, D.D.S., formerly of Seattle, Washington, passed away on January 15th, 2023 at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, Washington. He suffered a fall at home and fell into a coma before he was ultimately removed from life support.

Joseph and his twin brother Jack were born in Shelbyville, Indiana on May 18th, 1947 to Elizabeth Susan “Betty Sue” (Laramore) Thurston and Harold Ormel Thurston. The oldest of seven siblings, Joe and Jack enjoyed playing tricks on teachers, family, and friends as it was difficult to tell the twins apart.

Joe graduated from Cathedral High School in Indianapolis, Indiana in 1965. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Zoology from Indiana University and a Doctorate of Dental Science at IU’s School of Dentistry in 1972.

Joe joined the Army Dental Corps in August 1972. He received his Washington State dental license in 1973 and served in the army as a dentist at Fort Lewis until he was relieved of active duty in June 1974. After leaving the military, Joe joined a private dental practice in Chelan, Washington. He eventually settled in Richland, Washington, opening his own private dental practice in 1974. The business expanded into a larger location in Kennewick, Washington in 1995.

He was a former member of the American Dental Association, Benton-Franklin Dental Association, Richland Lions Club, Richland Rotary Club, Meadow Springs Country Club, Richland Yacht Club and INWR Porsche Club. He was also a member of the Lord of Life Lutheran Church where he served as an Adult Sunday School Teacher, Chair of the Stewardship Committee, and a member of the church choir.

Among his many interests were cycling, climbing, hiking, camping, hunting, fishing, skiing, traveling, sailing, Porsche vehicles, and playing golf. Joe had an adventurous spirit, cycling in the Seattle to Portland (STP) bike ride twice and training to climb Mt. Rainier.

Joseph is survived by his four children and their spouses, Cass (Christine) Thurston of Gig Harbor, WA; Alexis Walsh (Brandon Krebs) of Des Moines, WA, Michelle Sibbald (Alex Sibbald) of Seattle, WA; Lindsay Thurston (Travis Lande) of Seattle, WA, eand three grandchildren (Jacqueline Walsh, Zoe Alexander, and Dylan Thurston). He is also survived by his six siblings John “Jack” (Francine) Thurston, Susan Coolbaugh, Harold “Hal” Thurston, Jr., Margaret “Meg” Loge, Lucinda “Cinda” Thurston-Zeigler, and Andrew “Andy” Thurston.

He was preceded in death by his parents Harold O. Thurston (2001) and Elizabeth S. Thurston (2011).

He was cremated in Seattle, WA, and his ashes will be scattered in Elliott Bay to honor his love of sailing during a private memorial service planned for close family in early summer.

Joe’s children would like to thank the incredible staff at Harborview Medical Center for their supportive care and kindness.

In lieu of flowers, donations are requested for Vision House , supporting Seattle’s growing homeless population.

Please share memories, condolences, & photos on the Tribute Wall, located above.

Arrangements Entrusted to Emmick Family Funeral Home of West Seattle