Jason R.

Thornell

Jason R.Thornell, age 51 of Paulding, OH passed away on Thursday, May 28, 2026 at The James Cancer Hospital, in Columbus, OH.  He was born in Paulding, Ohio on November 15, 1974, to Robert and the late Diane (Louagie) Thornell. On August 8, 1997 he married Beth Molitor, his high school sweetheart and best friend.

He worked in banking in several financial institutions in Defiance, Paulding, and Putnam counties. He was a graduate of Wayne Trace High School, The Defiance College, and Graduate School of Banking. He was a dedicated employee and strived to serve his clients with all the best he had to offer. He also spent time farming whenever he could. He retired to work on the Family Farm in 2024. Farming was his true passion.

Jason was a member of both the Divine Mercy Catholic Parish and the Knights of Columbus of Paulding. He was also active in the county serving as the chairman of the Paulding County Hospital Board and had been a member since 2022. He served on the Paulding County Foundation Board for several years, and he also supported the youth of Paulding County 4-H by overseeing the restructuring of the annual 4-H livestock sale.

Jason can best be remembered by just being himself. Jason touched the lives of so many people. His unforgettable smile and his warm, caring personality easily drew people to him. He never knew a stranger and gave a genuine heartfelt hug to anyone who needed one or wanted one. He lived his life serving others, being compassionate and sincere. The ones who knew him best knew they had a true friend at all times. His fun, witty side made the time spent with him so enjoyable. He could fill conversations with his playful humor, remaining a great listener at the same time. Above all, he had a great love for God and his family. He took great pride in making sure he put God first in his life in his own humble, quiet way. He was a devoted and loving husband to his wife for over 28 years, and the time that they spent together over the years was devoted to one another and to creating a family to love and cherish. Their love was a true testament of what marriage should be. He was the proudest father who provided for his family and set a wonderful example for his children. He taught them the importance of faith, family, and hard work. His children knew more than anything that his heart belonged to them. Going to Sunday mass each week together as a family was so important to him, and the time that he spent helping them raise their 4H fair calves was a cherished time for him. He spent countless hours over their years in 4H teaching them, guiding them, and enjoying them. The world was a better place with him in it.

He is survived by his children, Laura and Trent, both at home; his loving wife, Beth; His father, Robert, of Defiance, OH; and siblings, Scott (Deb) of Tipp City, OH, Angela of Houston, TX, and Jennifer (Jeff) of Delaware, OH. Also surviving are his in-laws, Mike and Donna Molitor of Antwerp, OH; Chad (Kim) Molitor of Antwerp, OH; Joan Taylor of Antwerp, OH; Gretchen (Chad) of Convoy, OH; Maria (Troy) of Decatur, IN; and many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.

Jason was preceded in death by his mother, Diane Thornell, in 2019 and his grandparents, Robert and Alma Thornell and Maurice and Clare Louagie.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, June 3, 2026 at Divine Catholic Parish, Paulding, OH with Father Austin Ammanniti officiating. Burial will be in Hedges Cemetery, Jackson Township, Paulding, OH.

Visitation will be from 2:00-8:00 p.m., Tuesday, June 2, 2026 at Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding, OH with a rosary service at 7:30 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made in Jason's memory to masses or to Divine Mercy Catholic Church.

FLOWERS AND OTHER TRIBUTES MAY BE DELIVERED TO THE FUNERAL HOME UNTIL 4PM ON MONDAY OR UNTIL NOON ON TUESDAY. FLORISTS MAY USE FLOWER DOOR AT ANY TIME.