Joshua Walden Thayer (35) was born on May 3, 1987, and unexpectedly went to be with the Lord on August 6, 2022. Josh was born in Thousand Oaks, CA to Scott and Karen Thayer. He is the oldest of three children with a younger sister, Rebekah, and a younger brother, Zachary. The family moved to Houston in 1996, where he grew up and always called home.

At age six, Josh asked his mom to lead him in prayer to ask Jesus into his heart. His faith continued to be nurtured by many people who encouraged him throughout his life, especially in his formative years in AWANA and the youth group at Windwood Presbyterian Church. His participation in mission trips and his high school discipleship group were particularly impactful. Josh also enjoyed being involved in Boy Scouts and attending high adventure camps with his dad at places like JH Ranch (CA) and Christ in the Tetons (WY).

It was clear Josh loved sports from an early age – his first word was "ball!" He began playing soccer at age five and continued to play throughout his life from serving as Captain and MVP at Concordia Lutheran High School to playing in college and adult rec leagues. Throughout high school, Josh also excelled in football, baseball, and track. Josh went on to major in Sports Business Management in college at Concordia University in Irvine, CA. A highlight for Josh during his four years was the opportunity to intern at the Staples Center, where he was thrilled to meet players and staff members within the Lakers organization.

In addition to playing sports, Josh was a passionate and loyal fan. While he initially rooted for LA teams, his loyalties quickly shifted (and always remained with) the Astros, Texans, and Rockets after he moved to Texas. Josh loved to memorize everything related to sports; he knew most player and team stats and loved collecting cards. He also loved to be involved in countless fantasy leagues and could often be found having a lively debate about who he should draft or arguing about who was the greatest of all time (which Josh firmly believed was Michael Jordan!).

Josh was an excellent restaurant server who was known not only for being a hard worker with integrity, but also as someone really fun to be around. We are so grateful to his co-workers from Philly to Ft. Lauderdale who have had their own gatherings to share many great stories and memories of Josh. You all were his extended family, and we are humbled by your kind words about his caring heart. It meant so much to hear how much joy he brought to your lives and how good it felt just to be around him.

Josh loved life fully. He had an infectious laugh, charismatic personality, bright smile (won best smile in HS), sparkling blue eyes, and of course, a trademark beard! He also had a huge heart and loved to tease and pull pranks – anything to put a smile on your face! Everyone felt they had a best friend in Josh. He took time to interact with people from all walks of life whether he knew them for an hour or years. Josh made everyone feel like they mattered to him – and they did.

As a passenger in a roll-over accident that caused severe back pain, Josh became addicted to pain meds that were overprescribed around 2010. Over the next several years, he struggled tremendously, climbing mountain after mountain of uphill battles. We were all incredibly inspired by Josh – and he was proud of himself too – for the many years he fought to manage his mental health and remain clean and sober. Josh was blessed to have people in his life who were a huge support in his struggles, including his very loving and supportive sister, brother, brother-in-law, mom and dad, along with dear friends, therapists, and a host of praying family and friends. Though we mourn this tragic accident, we rejoice that Josh is now free from his struggles.

Josh will be tremendously missed by all who loved him. Our family will miss him calling us "ELLIS" as he affectionately termed us many years ago. He always had a way to brighten our day with his witty remarks, practical jokes, and teasing humor, even amidst his internal struggles. We will miss Josh's big heart, big smile, and big laugh – as he would say, "Everything is bigger and better in Texas!" Josh knew how much we loved him, and our love for him will never end.

Josh is preceded in death by his beloved grandparents – Sherman Walden (Wally) and Mary Shaw, and Warren and Beverly Thayer. He is survived by his loving parents, Scott and Karen (Shaw) Thayer, of Harrisonburg, VA, by his treasured and caring sister, Bekah Thayer Pyne (her husband, Ben) of Chicago, IL and his brother and best friend Zach Thayer (his girlfriend, Sarah McFall) of Raleigh, NC; by his 7 Aunts and 7 Uncles, his 17 cousins and their spouses and children, as well as by his dear girlfriend, Tristyn Cerda, and his many close friends and co-workers.

We give thanks to our Lord, the giver of our lives, for the hope we have in Him and for His precious gift of salvation that provides eternal life in heaven. One day we will be united with our Josh, thanks to God's provision through Jesus's death and resurrection. We are grateful for the 35 years, three months, and three days we had with Joshua; it just wasn't long enough.

You can watch the service with the following link.

https://youtu.be/nFB-9uXZYag