Gerald “Gerry” Dean Thacker, 88, passed away Nov. 11, 2023, at Wellbrooke of Crawfordsville.
He was born March 1, 1935, at Pekin, Illinois, to Inest and Lucille Thacker. Gerry was the oldest of five.
Gerry married Shirley Dean May on Dec. 12, 1953, and this year would have celebrated 70 years of a wonderful marriage. They had one son, Jeffery Dean Thacker.
Gerry graduated from Pekin High School early and attended Bradley University night classes while working at Keystone Steel and Wire for 27 years. He was in management from age 25. He also became a journeyman machinist while there. He then was transferred to Mid States, where he worked for 15 years. At age 50 he started his own manufacturing representative business and retired at age 72.
He previously was a 40-year member of First Baptist Church, serving in several capacities, Kiwanis, Gideons, Lodge #50 of Masons, C.C. Club, Emmaus Walk and Men’s Bible Study. Gerry’s passion was Arabian horses. His stallion, Shalome, won several prizes. He took riding trips to beautiful Colorado. His favorite Indiana riding was in Brown County.
He is survived by his wife; son; grandson Mark Dean Thacker; special niece and husband, Ricki and Art; sisters, Ruby (Dave) Johnson and Carol (Mike) Thomason; sister-in-law Donna Thacker; and many nieces and nephews.
Memorial gifts can be sent to Alzheimer’s Association Greater Indiana chapter, Suite 460-2200 Cabot Drive Lisle, IL 60532.
A private service has been arranged for Gerry Thacker.
Online condolences can be made at www.BurkhartFH.com.
