Ernest ‘Bud’ Thacker

Ernest “Bud” Thacker, age 83, of Sullivan, MO, passed away Thursday, March 14, 2019 at Meramec Nursing Center in Sullivan.

Ernest Manuel “Bud” Thacker was born on February 18, 1936 in Bethel Springs, TN, one of twelve children born to Manuel Hoy and Ollie Edna (Evans) Thacker. The family moved around a lot, but came to live in the St. Clair/Sullivan area in 1968. Bud was a hard worker and liked to be busy all of the time.  He had a very outgoing personality and never met a stranger. Bud started work in the factory at Royal Crown Cola and eventually worked his way up to Distributor and Owner. He also sold produce for many years, and his most recent and last job was at Flying J in Sullivan. Bud enjoyed riding and raising Tennessee Walking Horses, playing guitar and singing. He loved his large family, and was especially fond of his grandchildren, who he lovingly referred to as “his babies”. Bud will be missed by his family and many friends. 

Bud is survived by his wife, Ruth (Schroeder) Thacker of Sullivan; 11 children, Teresa Erxleben and husband, Doug, of Sullivan, MO, Steve Thacker and wife, Debbie, of St. Clair, MO, Shelia Stumpe and husband, Mark, of Rosebud, MO, Danny Thacker and wife, Marica, of Branson, MO, Mark Thacker of Portageville, MO, Keith Thacker of Washington, MO, John Thacker and wife, Athena, of St. Clair, MO, Scott Thacker and wife, Amanda, of Sullivan, MO, Joe Thacker of Sullivan, MO, Holly Thacker (Jordan Houseman) of Sullivan, MO, and Jessica Thacker (Brian Woodby) of Sullivan, MO; 19 grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren; four brothers, Bill Thacker and wife, Shirley, of Portageville, MO, Ray Thacker and wife, Linda, of Portageville, MO, Larry Thacker and wife, Lavona, of Portageville, MO, and Bob Thacker and wife, Pat, of Portageville, MO; four sisters, Katie Walls and husband, Roger, of Portageville, MO, Brenda Cook and husband, Claude, of Portageville, MO, Peggy Robinson of Portageville, MO, and Linda DeRouisse and husband, George, of TN; nieces and nephews, cousins, other relatives and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Manuel and Edna (Evans) Thacker; one son, Terry Thacker; and three sisters, Evelyn Thacker, Mary Neil Griswell, and Faye Matlock.  

Funeral services were conducted 1 p.m., Monday, March 18, 2019 at the Eaton Funeral Home in Sullivan, with Pastor Matt Dudley as the officiant. Interment followed in I.O.O.F. Memorial Cemetery in Sullivan.

Visitation was held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Monday, at the Eaton Funeral Home.  

Friends may send online condolences to the family of Mr. Thacker at www.eatonfuneralhome.com.

All arrangements were under the care of the Eaton Funeral Home of Sullivan & Bourbon, MO.