Raymond Thacker, the son of James Franklin and Katie Bell (Inman) Thacker, was born January 10, 1924 in Tarkio, Missouri. Raymond attended Tarkio country school until the eighth grade and worked in the area until old enough to enter military service. On August 16, 1944, Raymond enlisted in the United States Navy and served his country during World War II as a heavy equipment operator in the Construction Battalion on the island of Okinawa, Japan. Raymond received his honorable discharge on June 11, 1946, and returned to Tarkio.

On July 12, 1949 Raymond was united in marriage to Gladie Lois Riley. They continued to live in Tarkio where Raymond was employed by Bartlett Grain Company. In 1952 they moved to Holton, Kansas where Raymond worked for the Holton County Highway Department. In 1958 they moved to Horton, Kansas where Raymond worked for the local grain elevator. Raymond retired after 15 years from Midwest Solvents in Atchison, Kansas as a machine operator. They later lived in Emporia, Kansas and Buffalo, Missouri where Gladie passed away in 1994. Four years ago Raymond moved to Burlington Junction, Missouri where he lived to the present time. Raymond passed away January 14, 2007 at Heartland Hospital, St. Joseph, Missouri at the age of 83 years.

Raymond loved his family and enjoyed the times they had together. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, pitching horseshoes and simply being outside. He was also a creative woodworker and excellent cook.

Survivors include four sons, Benny Ray Thacker and wife Sue, Seymour, Missouri, James Frank Thacker, Horton, Kansas, Marion Edward Thacker, Rockaway Beach, Missouri, Raymon Leon Thacker, Charity, Missouri; one daughter, Katherine Luena Austin, Plymouth, Pennsylvania; Eleven Grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; a few brothers and sisters and numerous nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents and wife Gladie, Raymond was preceded in death by other brothers and sisters.

Funeral Services were held 10:30 am Friday, January 19, 2007 at the
Tarkio Assembly of God Church, Tarkio, Missouri
Burial was at the Home Cemetery, Tarkio
Memorials may be directed to the Raymond Thacker Memorial Fund