Obituary of Elmer Stephenson Thacker

Elmer S. “Steve” Thacker, 85, of Troutville went home to be with the Lord, Tuesday, October 23, 2018.  He was preceded by his parents, Jarman Frank and Lula Dent Thacker, and his brothers and sisters.  Surviving are his wife of 63 years, Betty East Thacker; children, Rae Marie (Carl) Smith, H.D. (Catherine) Thacker, Lee Thacker, Dave (Kimberly) Thacker; six grandsons, eight granddaughters, three great grandsons, one great granddaughter, brother, Elbyrne G. Thacker; and a number of nieces and nephews.

Steve was a devoted husband , father, grandfather and great grandfather who loved his Lord, his country and  his family deeply.  He  proudly served with the U S Marine Corps during the Korean War.  He was active in church work at Valley View Baptist Church , Gospel Light Baptist Church and Green Ridge Baptist Church.  He retired from the R. H. Donnelly Corporation and was the owner of Interstate Safety Systems.  He cherished his friends and never met a stranger.  His conversation and sense of humor would light up a room.  His compassion and generosity touched the lives of many.

The family offers a special thanks to the doctors and nursing staff at the Veterans Administration Medical Center, Salem  for their many acts of compassion and care.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital P O Box 1000 Memphis TN  38101-9930

A memorial service will be conducted at 11 a.m. Friday, October 26, 2018 at Green Ridge Baptist Church by Pastor Greg Moser and friend Doug Sweeney.  The family will receive friends at the church following the service.  Private interment will be in Sherwood Memorial Park.   Arrangements by Simpson Funeral Home & Crematory.  366-0707