Jerry L. Thacker

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

Jerry L. Thacker, 77, of Greencastle and formerly of Princeton, passed away on Friday, Nov. 30, 2012 at Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis.

He was born Nov. 9, 1935 in Princeton, Ind., to Victor A. and Helen (Fletcher) Thacker.

He graduated from Princeton High School and attended Purdue University and Culver Military Academy.

A veteran of the U.S. Navy, Jerry received the National Defense Service Medal with a Bronze Star, Vietnam Service Medal, Navy unit commendation and a good conduct award.

A member of the Princeton Lions Club since 1955, he was instrumental in chartering many new clubs throughout Indiana. He was Lions Club district governor in 1975-76.

Jerry was marketing director for the Princeton Telephone Co. and was owner/operator of Princeton Skate World. He then retired from the Mental Health Division of the Indiana State Department, Indianapolis.

He is survived by his wife, Judith (Asbell) Thacker of Greencastle; daughters Debbie (Kenneth) Bateman of Patoka and Pamela Parker of Princeton; sons Jerry L. Thacker II of Beaumont, Texas, and Frank (Dana) Thacker of Evansville; stepsons Tim (Becky) Church of Boonville, Dee (Janet) Church of Petersburg and Greg (Joy) Church of Lizton; 24 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister Carol Thacker Sheridan; brother-in-law Don Sheridan; and daughter Brenda Thacker Hartman.

Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 8 at Colvin Funeral Home, Princeton, officiated by Father Bernie Etienne. Visitation will be 9-11 a.m. Saturday at Colvin Funeral Home. Retired military veterans will provide military services.

There will be a private burial at White Church Cemetery in Princeton.

Memorial contributions may be made to Lions Eye Bank and Research Center or the American Cancer Society.

Condolences may be expressed online at www.colvinfuneralhome.com