Edward Lawrence Thiner

He was stationed at Castle Air Force Base when he met and married his wife of 51 years, Louise Carol Jordan. Ed worked at BAC-Pritchard for over 30 years as plant manager.

He was a dedicated Catholic and very active in his church community. He was a Past Chapter President, Former District Deputy, Past Grand Knight and Past Faithful Navigator of the 4th degree of the Knights of Columbus. As District Deputy he started councils in Oakhurst, Livingston and Gustine. Ed served on several state committees and was a Chapter Delegate to the Knights of Columbus Supreme Convention in Canada. He was a conservative who gave of himself to others.

Ed enjoyed hunting with his family and watching his dogs work the pheasants. He enjoyed working on classic cars and hunting the swap meets for parts for his 1956 Chevrolet “My Way”. He was known for fixing anything for anyone. He was an avid bridge player that admired all his fellow players and loved the challenge of duplicate bridge.

Ed was preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence and Margaret Thiner; son, Dean Thiner; sister, Eileen Thiner; sister-in-law, Karen Thiner; and brother-in-law, Larry Flannery.

He leaves behind his wife, Louise Thiner; sons, Michael (Judy), Eddie and Kurt Thiner; daughters, LaVonne (Jim) Vann and Lorraine (Eric) Bocks; brothers, Robert (Madonna) and James Thiner; sisters, Mary Thiner, Marge Flannery, Rose Anne (Dave) Berg, Darlene (Midge) White and Teresa (Galen) Watje; 17 grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren; and countless friends.

A visitation will be held at Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Home, 1490 B St., Merced, CA on Monday, March 25, 2013 from 1:00pm to 5:00pm. Recitation of Rosary to be held at Our Lady of Mercy, 459 W. 21st, Merced, CA at 7:00pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 671 E. Yosemite Ave., Merced, CA on Tuesday, March 26, 2013 at 10:00am with interment to follow at Merced District Cemetery. Reception at St. Patrick’s Parish hall to follow.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Our Lady of Mercy School Scholarship Fund, 1400 E. 27th St., Merced, CA 95340.