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.