Donald E. Landis Class (63)

Donald Eugene Landis passed away on June 26, 2026. He was born on June 4, 1945, to Delbert and Veta Landis.

Don spent his formative years in Kansas, attending Fairport Grade School and graduating from Paradise Rural High School with the class of 1963. Following high school, he worked in the oilfields of Russell County for a time before answering the call to serve his country. During the mid-1960s, Don served in the U.S. Army stationed in Asia.

Upon returning to civilian life, Don dedicated his career to public service. He became a City Letter Carrier in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, in 1968. He was a deeply committed and proud member of the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) Branch 458, stepping into leadership roles to support his fellow carriers. He became Vice President of the branch in the mid-1980s and served as President from 1992 until 2002. After retiring from the United States Postal Service in 2004, Don continued his dedicated service to the union, briefly acting as a Branch 458 Trustee before stepping into the role of Treasurer from 2011 through 2025. In recognition of his decades of steadfast loyalty, Don received his NALC 50-Year Gold Card through the Union in 2020.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Delbert and Veta Landis, and his two brothers, Charles and Delmar Landis.

Don is survived by his loving family, including his sister, Virginia, and her husband, Kenneth Maddox; his three nephews, David Maddox, David Landis and Dale Maddox. And niece Denise Maddox. He also leaves behind several great-nieces, great-nephews, and a host of cherished friends and former coworkers.

A memorial service to celebrate Don’s life will be held at 4:00 pm on Wednesday, July 8, 2026 at the National Association of Letter Carriers, 221 S. Eagle Lane, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, 73128.

Memorial Service

Wednesday, July 8, 2026

4:00PM

National Association of Letter Carriers

221 S. Eagle Lane

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73128

Mercer-Adams Funeral Service
3925 North Asbury Avenue
Bethany, OK, 73008

William Austin "Bill" Murphy (Bus driver) (Waldo Class 59)

 

William Austin “Bill” Murphy, 84, of Waldo, Kansas, passed away Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at the Russell Regional Hospital in Russell, Kansas.

Bill was born May 6, 1941 in Hays, Kansas. He was one of five children born to L. Earl and E. Bernadine (Fiensy) Murphy. He grew up in the Covert, Kansas area and graduated from Waldo High School in the Class of 59.

Bill met, fell in love, and was united in marriage to C. Marlene Day on October 4, 1959 in Waldo. This union was blessed with three children; Debbie, Rhonda and Brad. They made their home in Salina, Kansas for a short time before moving to Covert. Then a few years later, they moved out into the country near Waldo. Then in 2022 they moved into Waldo.

Bill was a Farmer/Rancher his entire life and sold seed products for over ten years. He also was very active as a school bus driver for the local schools for many years, before retiring in 2019. When they lived in Salina, he worked at a local service station. He was a member and trustee of the Waldo United Methodist Church. He served on the High Plains Farm Credit Board for 12 years, and did data collection for the National Weather Services in Hastings, Nebraska for over 50 years. Bill was a life member of the Waldo/Paradise Lions Club, he served on the Victor Township Board, was a Boy Scout Leader when his son was in Boy Scouts.

Bill had a deep love for sports and rarely missed the chance to cheer on his favorite teams, including the Kansas City Chiefs, the Kansas City Royals, and KU basketball. He especially enjoyed supporting the Natoma Tigers, taking great pride in watching his children and grandchildren play. Farming and ranching were more than just work to Bill—they were a way of life, and some of his most cherished moments were spent working alongside his kids and grandkids.

Bill was known for the way he supported his friends and family and for the joy he brought to those around him. He had a wonderful sense of humor and a gift for storytelling. Many will remember the laughter shared while listening to his stories about hunting coyotes, deer, and elk, and the way he could always bring a smile to a room. His love for family, the land, and the people in his life will be remembered by all who knew him.

Bill’s surviving family include his wife of 66 years, Marlene of the home; daughters, Debbie Murphy of Natoma, Kansas and Rhonda Murphy of Waldo, Kansas; son, Brad Murphy (Jenjer) of Waldo, Kansas; sisters, Janice Lund of Waldo, Kansas and Sandy Boldridge (Leon) of New River, Arizona; five grandchildren, Jodi Wayland (Scott), Phillip Murphy (Taylor), Austin Murphy, Jacob Murphy and MaKayla Murphy; and four great grandchildren, Waylon Murphy, Wryatt Murphy, Wiley Murphy and Jemma Wayland.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Keith Murphy; and sister, Bee Hawley.

Celebration of Bill’s Life will be held at 10:30 AM, Tuesday, March 10, 2026 at the Waldo United Methodist Church. Burial will follow at the Natoma City Cemetery in Natoma, Kansas. Visitation will be held from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Monday, March 9, 2026 at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary in Russell, with the family present to greet friends from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Memorials have been established with the Waldo United Methodist Church or Waldo Fire Department. Contributions and condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who is in charge of the arrangements.

Roger Pruter (Class 1958)

 

Roger Pruter, 85, Hays, died Saturday, November 8, 2025 at HaysMed.

He was born September 29, 1940 in Hays, the son of Otto and Ella May (Stockton) Pruter.  Roger graduated from Paradise High School with the class of 1958, then he attended college in Hutchinson for a year before transferring to Fort Hays Kansas State College where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Arts in 1963.  Roger managed college cafeterias in many states including Wyoming and Louisiana, worked in sales, and served in the National Guard.  On April 26, 1964 he was united in marriage to Janet “Jan” Wickham at the Church of the Nazarene in Hays, and they celebrated 61 years of marriage.  For 28 years, Roger and Jan lived in Colorado.  Roger loved the mountains, traveling with Jan in their Airstream, and planning rallies while president of the Colorado Airstream Club.  He was a member of North Oak Community Church and enjoyed growing in faith and fellowship with his Tuesday morning men’s group.

Roger had a wonderful sense of humor and was a people person who had a gift for remembering names, interests, and preferences of those whom he encountered.  He sought out those in need and helped them in simple ways filled with great kindness.  He was proud to be from Paradise, organized many town reunions, and assumed the role of community curator.  Roger made many photo albums for his family, enjoyed gardening, and when losing the use of his left arm, he took on the challenge of building his own raised garden beds.  Most of all, Roger loved his family and was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather.

Survivors include his wife Jan of Hays, son Wade Pruter of Wichita, daughter RaJan Pruter of Colorado Springs, CO, his sister, Nina Brewsaugh and husband Carl of Oklahoma City, OK, and three grandchildren, Caden Prescott of Colorado Springs, CO, Genna Pruter and fiancé Caden Pfeifer of Russell, and Avery Pruter of Wichita.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 am on Saturday, November 15, 2025 at North Oak Community Church with Pastor Josh Gelatt and Pastor Abraham Marintzer officiating.  Visitation will be from 9:30 am until service time on Saturday at the church.  Private family inurnment will be at a later date.  In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to North Oak Community Church or to Paradise Valley Grace Church.  Services are in the care of Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home and condolences and memories of Roger may be left with his family at www.haysmemorial.com    

Service can be viewed at the following link.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jDQaClmipx8

Services

Visitation

Saturday
November 15, 2025
9:30 AM to 10:30 AM
North Oak Community Church
3000 Oak Street
Hays, KS 67601

Pamela Beth Terry (Krob) (Class 1969)

 

August 15, 1951 – September 24, 2025

Pamela Beth Terry of Bakersfield, California went to join Jesus on September 24, 2025 at the age of 74. She had been battling valley fever and lymphoma for nearly a year.

Upon graduating from Paradise High School in Paradise, Kansas in 1969 she attended Barton County Junior College and later UCLA after moving to California.

She married Denny Evans in 1976 and was blessed with two sons, Josh and Todd. She was employed at Kern County Equipment Company and after taking off to be a stay-at-home mom she was employed at Contel Telephone Company. Her marriage did not work out, but she and Denny moved on to coparent their sons with love and grace.

She married Charles Terry in 1991 and was employed at Grimmway Farms as the Accounts Receivable Manager and later, after retiring, part-time at Kern Ridge Growers in the accounts receivable department.

Pam had many friends, some for over four decades. But her favorite thing was anything associated with her grandchildren.

A celebration of her life will be held at the church she loved, Bakersfield First Church of the Nazarene at 2801 Hughes Lane, Bakersfield. The family suggests that in lieu of flowers, a memorial donation be made to tie Children's, Youth, or Celebrate Recovery ministry.

Beverly McNeal Class of (69)

 

Beverly Louise McNeal was the 6th of 9 children born to Maurine (Hawkins) McNeal and Dennis McNeal. Born July 6, 1951, she was raised on the family farm in Osborne county Kansas near Covert. She attended her first year of school (1st grade) in the two room school house in Covert. The following year the family changed schools to attend in Paradise as Covert did not have a high school. She graduated in 1969 from USD 399, Paradise, Kansas.

She joined three other siblings at Kansas State University the following year, a favorite story being that when these four went to enroll, her brother, Albert, would say “McNeal A,B,C,D” (Albert, Beverly, Charles, Deanna). She graduated with a BS degree in Elementary Education in 1973.

Her life led her down many paths. Work experiences included: Palo Alto Preschools, Affirmative Action for the state of Nebraska, Human Resources and Sales for Pitney Bowes Corporation, seminar leader for Fred Pryor Seminars, Business Development for Synergy BIS, Oak Tree Solutions and JANUS Associates, head of Strategy & Development for Simon Computing developing software for the Department of Homeland Security. On 9/11 she was in the Department of Agriculture building when the Pentagon was attacked. 

In 1985 she received the “Woman of the Year “Award from the Omaha American Business Women’s Association and an “Honorary Commission” in the Nebraska National Guard with the rank of Colonel.

She actively participated in Al-anon for many years, wrote children’s stories and poetry, hosted annual soup suppers in her community, made Christmas loaves of bread for neighbors, and was active in politics, marching to support her beliefs, most recently in the No Kings Day. She had a great love for her family and was the proud Aunt to 100 plus nieces/nephews, great & great great nieces/nephews. The family especially remembers her talented flute playing and baton twirling. She had a great love of music and art, and loved to dance.

She considered herself a traveler having lived in Mesa, Az, Selma, Al, Texas, England, Omaha, Kansas City, Boston, Connecticut, and Alexandria.

She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother. She will be missed by her 4 sisters and 3 brothers, many nieces and nephews, her Virginia community and her very special alanon family.

She died in the home she loved in Alexandria, Va. on September 28, 2025.

Her service will be held at St. Martin de Porres Olivet Campus on October 11, 2025 at 10:30 am. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Boys Town of Omaha or a charity of your choosing.

Vicky (Elliott) McDowell (Class 65)

 

Vicki Louise McDowell, 77, of Lucas, Kansas, passed away peacefully on Monday, August 18, 2025. She was born December 4, 1947, in Russell, Kansas, the daughter of Arvis and Christina ‘Louise’ (Corwin) Elliott.

Vicki grew up on a farm near Paradise, Kansas, and graduated from Paradise Rural High School. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Fort Hays State University, a degree that fueled a lifelong passion for teaching and nurturing young minds. Her first teaching job took her to an Indian reservation in South Dakota, where she immersed herself in a new community and shared her gift for education.

On November 12, 1969, Vicki married the love of her life, Jim McDowell. Together, they built a life full of love and partnership. Vicki continued her teaching career in Smith Center and Gaylord before moving to Sylvan Grove in 1980. She taught in Sylvan Grove until her retirement, leaving an indelible mark on countless students throughout her decades-long career. She had a unique ability to connect with every child, making each one feel seen, valued, and capable.

Although Vicki never had children of her own, she was the beautiful and irreplaceable glue that held her family together. Her love for her nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews was boundless and unconditional. She loved and cherished each of them as her own, filling their lives with warmth, guidance, and unwavering support. Her family will forever remember her as a cornerstone of love, strength, and joy.

Vicki was preceded in death by her parents, Arvis and Louise Elliott. She is survived by her loving husband, Jim McDowell; her siblings, Dwight Elliott (Owassa, OK), Paul Elliott (Dodge City, KS), and Arlene Morgan (Wichita, KS); and a large, adoring family of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

A celebration of Vicki’s life will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Friday, August 22, 2025, at the Lucas Community Church in Lucas, Kansas. Family will greet guests from 9:30 A.M. to service time the day of the service at the church.  The family will have a graveside service at 1:30 P.M. on Friday, August 22nd, at the Mount Herman Cemetery in Paradise, Kansas. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be given to the Lucas Community Church and sent in care of the mortuary. Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, Kansas, is in charge of the funeral service arrangements.

Robert Thacker

 

Robert Aaron Thacker, (Bob) 73, of Russell, Kansas, died on Friday, August 15, 2025, at Hays Medical Center in Hays, Kansas.

Robert was born on January 30, 1952, in Russell, Kansas, the son of Elmer and Ethel (Reichard) Thacker. He grew up in Paradise, Kansas, and graduated from Luray High School in the class of 1970. He was united in marriage to Janet Lynn Baral on April 19, 1971, in Hays, Kansas. Together, they were blessed with three children—son Schon and twin daughters Tavi and Chastity. Over the years, the family lived in the Texas Panhandle and Lawrence, Kansas, before settling back in Russell. Janet preceded him in death on December 19, 2009. Robert found love a second time and married Donna Harmon on September 23, 2010.

Born a farm boy, Robert carried those roots of grit and determination into his adult life. He built a long career as a highly respected and sought-after truck driver, working both in the oilfield and over the road. Known for his intelligence, intuition, and steady hand behind the wheel, he earned admiration from everyone who worked alongside him. Robert loved Bud Light, the Kansas City Chiefs, Harley-Davidson Motorcycles, hunting, fishing, camping, traveling, shooting guns, music, (especially hearing his son Schon play guitar), and most importantly his FAMILY! He was witty and quick with a comeback, never met a stranger, and had a gift with words. A master storyteller, he could spin a tale so vivid you felt like you were right there with him. When words weren’t spoken, he often put pen to paper, writing poetry that revealed the depth of his heart. His stories, his humor, and his way with words will forever be remembered by those who loved him.

Surviving family include his wife Donna, of Russell, Kansas; son Schon Thacker and wife Mandi of Overland Park, Kansas; twin daughters Tavi Collins and husband Jason of Chesapeake, Virginia, and Chastity Thacker and significant other Dustin Stiles of Russell, Kansas; sister-in-law Linda Harmon Gibbs of Russell, Kansas; and seven grandchildren: Kavion, Kerriana, Abrielle, Elijah, Bailee, Chevelle, and Aaron.

He was preceded in death by his first wife Janet, his parents and two sisters, Lona Weger and Gloria Becker.

In true Thacker fashion, Robert worked hard, loved fiercely, and always managed to have the last word!

Cremation has been selected by the family. A visitation to celebrate Bob’s life will be from 9 A.M. to 8 P.M. on Thursday, August 21, 2025, at the Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary in Russell, Kansas. Family will greet guests from 6 P.M. to 8 P.M. Thursday evening at the mortuary. Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, Kansas, is in charge of the funeral service arrangements.

There will be a celebration of life on Sept 27th with details to come via his family!!

Elaine K. (Brown) Jackson (Class 59)

 

Elaine K. (Brown) Jackson, 83, passed away peacefully in Independence, Mo., on May 21, 2025. Elaine was born to Dean and Dorothy Brown on December 5, 1941, and raised in Paradise, Kan. She graduated in 1959 from Paradise High School before attending Fort Hays State University where she met her husband of 64 years, Jere W. Jackson of Barnard, Kan. The couple settled in Independence, Mo., in 1960 where they built a wonderful life full of family and lifelong friendships in their neighborhood on 45th Street and as active members at Christ United Methodist Church.

Elaine worked as the personal secretary to William Clarkson, CEO of Clarkson Construction for many years until she opened her private piano studio in the late 1970s. Elaine was most well-known for her love of music. She was an incredibly talented pianist, and shared her gift with students, her church, and her community. She was the organist and accompanist for Christ United Methodist Church, where she served and worshiped for more than 50 years. She worked with the Chancel Choir, various soloists, and the men’s quartet, bringing beauty through music to each church service.  Elaine was also the accompanist for the William Chrisman High School choirs playing for both large and small ensembles, musicals, and solo musicians for many years. She was active in assorted music organizations such as Federated Music Teachers, helping to organize festivals for young musicians to hone their talents and compete, and Multiple Piano, serving as both a coach and participant many times through the years. She played for innumerable weddings, bringing music to people’s lives as they began a new chapter; and innumerable funerals, giving comfort through music to those saying goodbye to loved ones. Her favorite thing, however, was teaching piano lessons. Elaine did more than just teach music to countless students over the years, she changed the lives of each and every student.

Elaine was preceded in death by her husband, Jere, and her parents.

She leaves behind daughters, Lori Grubb (Jeffrey) and Jennifer Garrett (Tracy); three grandsons, Jason Grubb (Alexis), Justin Grubb and Grant Garrett; four great-grandchildren; brother, Myron Brown (Shirley); sister, Marilyn Bandy (Ron); four nieces and one nephew and their families, and countless friends and family.

The visitation will be held at Christ United Methodist Church in Independence on Saturday, May 31, 2025 beginning at 10 a.m., with the funeral to follow at noon.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Christ United Methodist Church. In addition, the family would like to thank Luminos Hospice, Bross & Spidle Funeral Home, and the home health caregivers who cared for both Elaine and Jere during the past year.

Shirley Welk (Elliott) Class 1967

 

Shirley Kathleen “Kay” Welk, 75, of Hutchinson, died April 13, 2025, at Hutchinson Regional Medical Center. She was born July 30, 1949, in Russell, to Lloyd “Dean” and Verna V. (McReynolds) Elliott.

Shirley, also known as Kay to many, graduated from Paradise High School in 1967. After attending cosmetology school in Hays, she moved to Ellsworth for work, where she met Harold F. Welk Jr. They were married on August 16, 1970, in Ellsworth and were together for 54 years. In 1972, they moved to Hutchinson, where they raised their family and spent the rest of their lives in the home they built. Over the years, Kay worked in cosmetology, bail bonding, and later as a master gardener for the City of Hutchinson Parks Department for 15 years prior to retirement. She enjoyed gardening, sewing, cooking, reading, and participating in music at Nickerson United Methodist Church, where she regularly attended services and sang in the choir.

She is survived by her husband, Harold; her children, Nathan Welk (Heather) of Derby, and their daughters, Abby and Katie; Kyle Welk (Tiffany) of Wichita, and their children, Andrew, Allison, Emily, and Caleb; Jamie Ball (Shawn) of Overland Park; brothers, Richard Elliott (Catherine) of Waldo, Kendall Elliott (Vickie) of Russell; and many extended family members.

She was preceded in death by her parents and sister, Cynthia Elliott.

Kay will be remembered for her strength, her deep love for family, and the many lives she touched through her kindness, creativity, and unwavering care.

Funeral service will be 10 a.m. Wednesday, April 23, 2025, at Nickerson United Methodist Church, 8200 N. Riverton Rd., Nickerson. Burial will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery, Hutchinson.

Friends may call from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, with family present to receive friends from 6–8 p.m. Tuesday at Elliott Mortuary.

Memorials may be made to Nickerson United Methodist Church, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.

Richard Dale "Dick" Wilson Class (65)

 

Richard Dale “Dick” Wilson, 77, of Russell, Kansas, died on January 10, 2025 at his home in Russell.

Dick was born on February 16, 1947 in Hays, Kansas, the son of Dale R. and Lila May (Harshbarger) Wilson. Dick grew up in Russell, Bunker Hill, Luray and Paradise, Kansas areas. He graduated from Paradise High School and Kansas State University with a bachelor’s degree in vocational agriculture.

Dick taught at Natoma High School before returning to Kansas State University where he received a second bachelor’s degree in business administration. He then joined the United States Air Force where he had various duties but most notably worked as a missileer in a nuclear missile silo. Because of the long hours working in the missile silo, he participated in a program that allowed him to a get master’s degree. Dick served in the Air Force for 20 years and retired as a major.

After retiring from the Air Force, he returned to Russell where he helped his father at the salvage yard and also worked at a variety of jobs. He had a life-long love of cars and collected many over the years. He also loved to cook and started the holiday meals at the church for those that didn’t have family living close. He was happy to see that the serving of holiday meals had grown to serve the Russell community.

He was a driver’s education instructor for Wilson and Russell public schools and drove a school bus. He also worked as a funeral helper for several years with Russell Funeral Home in Russell, Kansas. He was a member of the Trinity United Methodist Church, the Mason’s and Elks Lodge.

Surviving family include his sister Carolyn Funk and husband Larry of St. George, Kansas; niece Lora Collins (Shane); great nieces Katherine, Michaela and Christine Collins of Chelsea, Alabama, and great nephew Garrison Funk of Syracuse, New York.

He was preceded in death by his parents and nephew Bradley Funk.

Cremation was selected by the family.  A memorial service to celebrate Dick’s life will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Thursday, March 27, 2025, at the Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary.  A graveside service will follow at the Russell City Cemetery with military honors.  The family will greet guests the day of the service.  Memorials may be given to the Community Thanksgiving Dinner and sent in care of the mortuary.  Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, Kansas is in charge of the funeral service arrangements.

Dennis Albrecht (Class 1960)

 

Dennis Lee Albrecht, age 82, of Russell, Kansas, passed away Friday, February 14, 2025 at his home. 

Dennis was born May 7, 1942 at his home in Paradise, Kansas to Edward and Meta (Paulsen) Albrecht. 

Dennis grew up in the Paradise area and graduated from Paradise High School in 1960. He was married to his high school sweetheart and the love of his life Donna (Schmidtberger) on July 7, 1963 in Paradise, Kansas. They made their home in Russell after marriage. The union was blessed with two daughters, Debra and Tamera.

Dennis attended trade school for a short time after graduating high school to become a mechanic, but decided to join the work force instead. He worked for Mack-Welling Lumber Company and Harry Hibschman (Chief Industries), both of Russell. He also volunteered for the Russell Volunteer Fire Department. Dennis eventually became a self-employed carpenter for many years until he went to work for the Street Department at the City of Russell in 1987. He retired from there in 2005.

Family was important to Dennis who enjoyed attending his kids and grandkids’ sporting events. Dennis and Donna were also avid motorcycle riders and took many trips on their Goldwing during their younger years. Dennis was very interested in the mountain man culture and history and was a founding member of the Russell Muzzle Loaders Club. He attended every black powder rendezvous he could get to. He often just went to socialize and most of the time, didn’t even shoot his gun. He also taught his grandsons to shoot black powder and was very proud of them. Dennis and Donna also traveled on many Vosh trips to Panama delivering eyeglasses to the needy.

He is survived by two daughters Debra Morris (Case), and Tamera Krause (Richard) both of Russell, four grandchildren, Coady Morris (KC) and Kale Morris (Elizabeth) both of Russell and Nathan Krause (Melissa) of Wichita, and Ryan Krause of Manhattan, and three great grandchildren, Noah & Benjamin Morris, and Wyatt Krause. He is preceded in death by his wife Donna, his parents, and three brothers, Donald, John and Gary Albrecht.

A celebration of Dennis’ life will be held at 11 AM on Friday, February 21, 2025 at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary in Russell. A graveside service will be held at 2 PM on Friday at the Mt. Hermon Cemetery in Paradise, Kansas. Visitation will be held from 9 AM to 8 PM on Thursday at the mortuary with the family present to greet friends from 6 PM to 7 PM. 

Memorial contributions can be made to Russell Muzzle Loaders. Contributions and condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who is in charge of these arrangements.

Alex (Butch)Thacker (class 1960)

 

Alex “Butch” Thacker of Salina, Kansas, passed away on Tuesday, October 15, 2024, at the age of 82.

Born on March 10, 1942, in Russell, Kansas, to Percy and Ruby (Corwin) Thacker, Alex grew up on a farm near Paradise, Kansas, and graduated from Paradise High School. Alex attended Fort Hays State University for a year, but he was eventually drafted into the Army, proudly serving in Vietnam as a heavy truck operator. Alex was married to Maralee (Pflieger) Thacker before her passing in 1988, and together they had two children.

Alex lived in Phillipsburg and McPherson, Kansas, raising his children before moving to Wichita, Kansas, and finally settling in Salina for the last 27 years of his life. He enjoyed engaging with people and spent most of his career in sales, initially in agricultural-related products, traveling the state to speak with farmers and businessmen. Later, he turned his passion for cars into a successful career selling vehicles in McPherson and Salina, earning the trust and respect of many repeat customers. Alex enjoyed owning his vehicles and taking long road trips in them, especially to California to visit his son’s family. He also enjoyed dining out at his favorite restaurants with family and friends, telling stories about the past, making the occasional joke, and relaxing in front of the television.

However, his greatest joy was his family, who will miss him dearly. Alex loved spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, particularly at their sporting events and performances. He was immensely proud of their accomplishments and would make sure others were aware of their successes. He was always supportive of his family, even during challenging times, and was sought out in times of need.

Alex is survived by his daughter, Rebecca Baird (husband Shane), of Salina, Kansas, and his son, Justin (wife Lori), of San Diego, California. He is also survived by his cherished grandchildren, Kelsi Baird (partner Coleman Jordan), of Hutchinson, Kansas, Trenton Baird (partner Dana Gase) and Breanna Baird of Wichita, and Kiana, Malia and Kai Thacker of San Diego. Additionally, he leaves behind his beloved great-grandchildren, Harper Smith and Decker and Colt Jordan, of Hutchinson, Kansas.

Alex was preceded in death by his parents, his former wife Maralee, his sister Darlene Mowry, and his brother Duane.

Visitation will be held at Ryan Mortuary, 137 N 8th St, Salina, on Wednesday the 23rd, from 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM. Funeral services are scheduled for Thursday, October 24, 11:30 AM Ryan Mortuary,137 N 8th St, Salina, with a burial at 2:00 PM at McPherson City Cemetery, 1601 Cemetery Dr, McPherson, KS 67460. Memorial contribution suggestions include the Kansas Honor Flight and the Greater Salina Community Foundation.

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