Joseph Galt Eyler

Joseph “Joe” Galt Eyler, 85 of Thurmont passed away peacefully Friday September 24, 2021, at the V.A. Hospital in Martinsburg, West Virginia.

Born October 24, 1935, in Gettysburg, PA, he was the son of the late Joseph Harry & Ruth nee Galt Eyler.

In addition to his parents Joe is preceded in death by his beloved wife Harriett nee Roberts Eyler, a son Joseph Sterling Eyler, and brother Joseph Albert Eyler

He attended Mercersburg Academy, graduated from Thurmont High School and attended Syracuse University, NY.

As a child Joe grew up in the horse business traveling to various fairs and the like to attend horse races with his family. As he grew up his passion for horses continued as he became the first tattoo technician for the U.S. Trotting Association traveling the nation tattooing horses. He also owned Freestate Standardbred Sale Company & Eyler Stock Farm. He loved raising foal by his stallion, Happy Man.

Joe loved his country and was a proud veteran of the United States Air Force.

Joe also had a passion for driving trucks starting as a test driver for Mack Trucks in Hagerstown and worked for several trucking firms throughout the area including Frock Brothers, Bavarian Motor Transport where he & his wife hauled high end cars, Keilholtz Trucking, and Maryland Transportation.

He was also passionate to support the youth of the Catoctin community through his active support of 4-H and FFA programs. Joe also was president of the Catoctin Youth Association starting the football and soccer tournaments where up to 38 teams a day would play. He later founded & hosted Thurmont Heritage Days.

Joe was a member of Trinity United Church of Christ of Thurmont, Columbia Lodge #58 of Frederick, and Plymouth Chapter of the Eastern Star and Amvets Post #7 of Thurmont.

Surviving is his son Troy S. Eyler (Dorothy) of Hillsdale, PA; daughters Barbara Ann Garcia (James) of Palm Harbor, FL, Mize Mitzi Jo Campbell (Rick) of Frankfort, IN; grandchildren Sterling Garcia, Brittany Eyler, Brooke Eyler; and brother Joseph Eugene Eyler of Westminster, MD along with many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Friends may call at BLACK’S Funeral Home 224 N. Church St. Suite B Thurmont, MD on Wednesday, October 6th from 2-4 & 6-8 PM. Funeral service will be held on Thursday, October 7th, with viewing starting at 10am, and funeral service starting promptly at 11am at Trinity United Church of Christ 101 E. Main St. Thurmont with Pastor Les Sims officiating. Interment will follow in Blue Ridge Cemetery Thurmont.

Joe’s care has been entrusted to Black’s Funeral Home of Thurmont, online condolences at blacksfuneralhomes.com