Gerald "Gerry" Dean Thacker, age 88, passed away on November 11, 2023 at Wellbrooke of Crawfordsville. He was born on March 1, 1935 in Pekin, Illinois to Inest and Lucille Thacker. Gerry was the oldest of five.

Gerry married Shirley Dean May on December 12, 1953. December 12, 2023 would have been 70 years of a wonderful marriage. They had one son, Jeffery Dean Thacker. Gerry graduated from Pekin high school early and attended Bradley University night classes while working at Keystone Steel and Wire for 27 years. He was in management from age 25. He also became a journeyman machinist while there. He then was transferred to Mid States, where he worked for 15 years. At age 50 he started his own manufacturing representative business and retired at age 72.

He previously was a 40-year member of First Baptist Church, serving in several capacities, Kiwanis, Gideons, Lodge #50 of Masons, C.C. Club, Emmaus Walk, and Men's Bible Study. Gerry's passion was Arabian horses. His stallion, Shalome, won several prizes. He took riding trips to beautiful Colorado. His favorite Indiana riding was in Brown County.

He is survived by his wife, son, and grandson Mark Dean Thacker. Also, special niece and husband, Ricki and Art, sister Ruby (Dave) Johnson, sister Carol (Mike) Thomason, sister-in-law Donna Thacker and many nieces and nephews.

Memorial gifts can be sent to Alzheimer's Association Greater Indiana chapter, Suite 460-2200 Cabot Drive Lisle, Illinois 60532.

Private service has been arranged for Gerry Thacker. Online condolences can be made at www.BurkhartFH.com