Leon Eugene Thacker, 88, of Bradenton, passed away on February 21, 2023, surrounded by family.
He was born on August 16, 1934, in Sundance, Wyoming to the late Marion Otis and Velma Viola (Riesland) Thacker. He will be lovingly remembered for his caring and ability to always help others. Leon graduated from Forest High Class of 1953. Following graduation, he served in the United States Air Force (1955-1959), was stationed in Alaska and received the Air Force Commendation Medal. He married Shirley Edgington in 1956 and they divorced in 1972. Leon married Sandra Wright Smith in 1972 and they celebrated 50 years of marriage on August 26th.
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He is survived by his wife, Sandra and his daughters, Sharon (Anthoney) Frankenberger, Belton, Tx., Mary (Jeffrey) Bayes, St Augustine, Fl., his sons, Mark Smith, Minnesota, David (Adena) Smith, Parrish, Fl., and Ryan (Darlene) Thacker, Bradenton, Fl. He is also survived by his sister Lois Caudill, Bonita Springs, Fl., His brothers, Marion Thacker Jr and Lewis Thacker of Forest, Ohio. Leon has 14 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren along with many nieces and nephews.
Leon worked for decades in the construction industry and formed Thacker Construction. He enjoyed designing, drawing, building and creating just about anything. He will be remembered for his tireless effort to purchase and restore the Freight Depot in Forest, Ohio. He brought this old building to life and renovated it into The Old Freight House Restaurant. The doors were opened on November 11, 1974. This brought jobs and additional economy to the town. In 1979 Leon and Sandra moved their family to Bradenton, Florida. He continued in the construction industry until retirement. Retirement was not dull though for Leon, he continued to help people in the retirement community he moved too. Leon was President of Country Lakes Village II HOA. He spearheaded the enormous task of forming the Country Lakes CO-OP in 2010. Leon was the CO-OP President. This venture brought peace of mind and financial security to so many in the retirement community.
Private Family Services will be held at Sarasota National Cemetery on April 3, 2023.
