Joseph “Joe” Galt Eyler, 85, of Thurmont passed away peacefully Friday, Sept, 24, 2021, at the Martinsburg VA Medical Center in Martinsburg, W. Va.

Born Oct. 24, 1935, in Gettysburg, Pa., he was the son of the late Joseph Harry and Ruth (nee Galt) Eyler.

He attended Mercersburg Academy, graduated from Thurmont (Md.) High School and attended Syracuse University.

As a child, Mr. Eyler 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 and Eyler Stock Farm. He loved raising foals by his stallion, Happy Man.
He loved his country and was a proud veteran of the United States Air Force.

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

He was also passionate about supporting the youth of the Catoctin community through his active support of 4-H and FFA programs. He 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 and hosted Thurmont Heritage Days.

He was a member of Trinity United Church of Christ of Thurmont, Columbia Lodge No. 58 of Frederick, Plymouth Chapter of the Eastern Star and Amvets Post No. 7 of Thurmont.

Mr. Eyler is survived by his son, Troy S. Eyler (Dorothy), of Hillsdale, Pa.; daughters, Barbara Ann Garcia (James), of Palm Harbor, Fla. and Mize Mitzi Jo Campbell (Rick), of Frankfort, Ind.; grandchildren, Sterling Garcia, Brittany Eyler and Brooke Eyler; brother, Joseph Eugene Eyler, of Westminster, Md.; along with many cousins, nieces and nephews.

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