Paul Neff Thorburn

Paul Neff Thorburn, 91, of Zanesville, went to his everlasting home, Monday, October 5, 2009 at Genesis Good Samaritan Hospital surrounded by loving family. He was born July 14, 1918, in his home at the Scotch Dale Farms, Scotch Ridge, Martins Ferry, Ohio, a son of the late Charles David and Mary Edna Ruble Thorburn. Paul attended the one-room Brush School, located on the edge of the family farm. He graduated from Martins Ferry High School, Class of 1935. Following graduation, he worked at the Thorburn Dairy, Meadowcrest Dairy, and the Yorkville Plant of Wheeling Steel Mill. In August of 1942, he entered the United States Army, serving in New Guinea and the Philippines. After his discharge in January of 1946, Paul enrolled in The Ohio State University on the G.I. Bill, where he met Audrey Young of Logan, Ohio. Upon Audrey's graduation from OSU, and just prior to Paul's graduation, Audrey became his wife in 1949. Paul received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Agricultural Education from The Ohio State University in 1950. He was a member of Alpha Gamma Sigma Professional Fraternity at Ohio State. Following graduation, he taught vocational agriculture at Lyons, New London, and Celina High Schools. In 1956, he became an Ohio State University Extension Agent in Knox County, Ohio. In 1960, Paul received his Master of Science Degree from The Ohio State University. He was a life member of the OSU Alumni Association. In 1965, he became a member of the faculty who founded the joint vocational school education system in Ohio, and helped to open Penta County Joint Vocational School, in Rossford, near Toledo, Ohio. In 1969, Paul became a member of the founding faculty of the Muskingum Area Joint Vocational School, in Zanesville. He retired from MAJVS in 1983. Paul was a charter member of Trinity United Presbyterian Church, where he served as Elder and as adult Sunday School teacher for over thirty years. Paul was a member of the Sons of the American Revolution, the American Legion, and a life member of the VFW. He was a life member of the American Vocational Association, the Ohio Vocational Association, the Ohio Education Association, and the Ohio Retired Teachers Association and a member of the Muskingum County Retired Teachers Association. He was also a member of the National Association of Retired Federal Employees and the Exchange Club. Paul loved his church and his family and is survived by his daughters, Jean (Sam) Lebold of Reynoldsburg, Susan (Dave) Foster of Zanesville and Janet (Shigeru) Mori of Chicago; grandchildren, Elizabeth (Shaun Stickley), Matthew and Joshua Lebold, Chad (Kelly) and Clay Foster, Kevin and Aimee Mori; a great granddaughter, Olivia Foster; and numerous nieces and nephews. He leaves behind many dear friends who have meant a lot to him through the years. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of over 53 years, Audrey Jean Young Thorburn, who passed away April 25, 2003; his sisters and brothers, Edna (John) Ekey, Helen Nancy Thorburn (infant), David (Kathryn) Thorburn, Jean (Ralph) McKim, and James Alexander (Lois, June) Thorburn. Friends may call from 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. Thursday, October 15, 2009 at the BOLIN-DIERKES FUNERAL HOME, 1271 BLUE AVE, ZANESVILLE and one hour prior to the services at the church. A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, October 16, 2009 at the Trinity United Presbyterian Church, 830 Military Road, Zanesville with Dr. Richard Boyer officiating. Full Military Honors will be provided by the U.S. Army with the assistance of the VFW George Selsam Post 1058 at the church. Graveside services will be held at 3:30 p.m. Friday, October 16, 2009 at Alexander Cemetery, Scotch Ridge, Ohio with Rev. William Webster officiating. In remembrance of Paul, those who wish, may make a contribution, in lieu of flowers, to Trinity United Presbyterian Church, 830 Military Road, Zanesville, OH 43701.