Earl Thacker

Earl Thacker, longtime resident of Zionsville, Ind., died Saturday, October 12, in the
home he lived in for 60 years. Earl was born on June 30, 1930, in Mulberry Grove, Ill., to
Bryan and Clara Thacker and grew up working on his family’s farm. After graduating
from high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy for four years, traveling throughout the
Pacific on the Salisbury Sound naval ship. After leaving the Navy, Earl moved to
Zionsville and married Sandra May “Sandy” Thacker on June 8, 1956. He worked as a
terminal operator for Shell Pipeline for 40 years. After his retirement in 1990, he and
Sandy enjoyed golfing and attending their grandchildren’s sporting events. Earl will be
remembered best for his morning walks through town and keeping an eye on the
happenings of Main Street from his beloved lawn chair while soaking up the sun,
enjoying the wildlife in his yard, and puttering in his garage.
Earl was preceded in death by his loving wife of 57 years, Sandy. His survivors include
his son Tim Thacker and wife Della of Brazil, Ind., son Jeff Thacker and wife Leanne of
Zionsville,Ind., grandchildren Wade Thacker and wife Shaye, of Terre Haute, Ind.,
Brandon Thacker and wife Kristi of Zionsville, Ind., Kylee Maurer and husband Jordan of
Columbus, Ind., and Sarah Thacker and fiance’ Mike Bonn of Chicago, Ill.
Visitation will be held at Flanner and Buchanan Funeral home in Zionsville, Ind., on
Thursday, October 17 from 11am to 1pm, followed by a private burial at Zionsville
Cemetery.