John E Thacker

Born April 28, 1927 in Fairfield to Arthur “Otto” and Ethel “Bernice” (Cross) Thacker, he married Bonnie L. Thompson on December 23, 1952 in Pekin.  She survives.

Also surviving are two sons, Richard (Wanda) Thacker of Alia, Hawaii and John “Mark” (Diane Hutter) Thacker of Pekin; and one brother, Arthur A. “Jr.” (Betty) Thacker of Tampa, Florida.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister.

John served in the United States Navy during the Korean War.

He was a member of Emmanuel Community Church in Pekin.

John worked as a laborer for Caterpillar, Inc. in East Peoria in the LL Building  for 32 ½ years, retiring in August 1982.

John loved to watch and participate in all sports, especially bowling and golfing.  He even had a hole-in-one at Parkview Golf Course in Pekin.  He worked for the Pekin Park District as an official score keeper for basketball and baseball games.

John was a member of the Moose Family Center # 916 in Pekin.

His funeral will be at 11 a.m. Monday, February 13, 2012 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin.  Rev. Walter Greenleaf will officiate.  Visitation will be one hour prior to the funeral.  Burial will be in Glendale Memorial Gardens in Pekin, with military rites accorded by the United States Navy and Tazewell Military Rites Team.

Memorial contributions may be given to his church at 1100 Hamilton St. Pekin, IL 61554.

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com