J. W. THACKER

J. W. Thacker, 82, of Richmond, MO, died at 8:39 a.m. on Friday, January 7, 2011 at his home, surrounded by his loving family.
J. W. was born on July 8, 1928 in Richmond, MO to Pearl and Anna (Williams) Thacker. He married Pamela R. Hicks of Richmond, MO on October 5, 1979. She survives of the home.
Additional survivors include; two sons and one daughter-in-law, Chuck and Lisa Thacker of Overland Park, KS, Jim Thacker of Lexington, MO, four daughters and four sons-in-law, Jayanna and Jeff Harrison of Richmond, MO, Jaynice and Russell Vanderlinden of Richmond, MO, Stacy and Craig Henry of Richmond, MO, Stephanie and Chris Bryant of Richmond, MO, thirteen grandchildren, Jordan Thacker, Brian Harrison, Aaron Harrison and his wife, Rachel, Joshua Thacker, Johnathan Thacker, Madalynn Prom, Sammuel Vanderlinden, Louis Vanderlinden, Cody Henry, Cady Henry Michael Dorton, Haley Hampton, Connor Bryant. Three great grandchildren also survive, Brianna Thacker, Bailey Thacker and Teagan Thacker.
In addition to his parents, J. W. was preceded in death by one son, John Wesley Thacker, Jr., one brother, Bobby Thacker and one sister, Elizabeth Abbott.
J. W. was a truck driver for over sixty years, working for such companies as; Mid Central Fish, Waller Truck Company and Jesco Lubricants, at which time he received the "National Driver of the Year" award from Ryder Truck Company in 1974. He worked for the City of Richmond for thirty-three years, where he was a firefighter, police officer and ending his career as Fire Chief. He was a minister for over fifty-five years in the Richmond area, retiring from the Christian Union Church in 2007. He was a member of God Squad. He was a member of the Ray County Hospital Auxiliary. He was a United States Navy Veteran. He was a member of the Richmond American Legion Post # 237 and the Richmond V. F. W. Post # 4398.
The family suggests memorial contributions be made to Crossroads Hospice.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, January 11, 2011 at 10:30 a.m. at the Thurman Funeral Home in Richmond. Visitation will be held on Monday, January 10, 2011 from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Thurman Funeral Home in Richmond. Burial will be in the Woodland Cemetery, where military graveside services will be conducted by the Ray County Veterans.