William E. "Bill" Thacker

William E. (Bill) Thacker, 90 of Solsberry passed away Sunday July 30, 2023. Born in Monroe County on June 21, 1933 to Golda and Inez (Holmes) Thacker, he was a 1951 graduate of Solsberry High School and served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, first as an infantryman recruit but later as an artillery technician. After Army service, Bill returned to Solsberry and asked Joan Yoho to be his wife. On May 26, 1956 they were married and were nearly inseparable for 52 years until she preceded him in death in October 2008. He retired from NSWC Crane where he worked in quality control and development. Bill was a beloved member of his community, a loving father and grandfather, and loyal friend to many. Bill was a longtime member of the Solsberry Christian Church, Solsberry American Legion Post # 450, Solsberry Masonic Lodge # 411, and the Bloomfield Independent Order of Oddfellows Lodge # 457. Bill served on the Eastern Heights Utilities Board of Directors, Beech Creek Township Advisory Board, Solsberry Cemetery Board, and was involved in the formation of both the Eastern Greene Fire Department and Solsberry High School Memorial Park. He enjoyed Eastern Greene and Indiana University sports throughout his life, as well as country and gospel music. In retirement, when Bill wasn’t at a sporting event, with family, or at one of his many meetings, he could be found in his garden or his garage, and if he wasn’t in either of those places then he was across the street at Yoho General Store or sitting in his chair out on his front porch. Surviving family members include his son, Greg (Belinda) Thacker of Solsberry, daughter, Lisa (Joel) Clark of Stanford, grandsons, Braden Thacker (Cori) of Madison, Alabama, Zach (Sophie) Clark of Solsberry and Tanner Clark of Stanford, great -granddaughters, Adeline Thacker and Eleanor Clark, his sister, Susie Rainey of Stanford, and sisters-in-law, Vicki Yoho of Bloomington and Joy Yoho of Bloomfield, along with many loving nieces and nephews and still many more cousins. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Joan, his granddaughter Taryn Thacker, sisters, Betty (Jim) Swango, Mary (Kermit) Inman, and Helen Inman, and an infant brother. He was especially close to his many brothers and sisters in -law, and was preceded in death by brothers-in-law Fred Rainey, Glen, Bob, Walt and Jim Yoho, Kermit Inman, Paul Rollins, Johnie Sims, and Jim Swango, along with his father and mother-in-law, Wayne and Gertie (Sherrow) Yoho, and sisters-in-law Pearl Rollins and Carol Sims, Kathleen and Francis Yoho. This group of brothers, sisters and in-laws was tight knit, and along with their children and grandchildren, shared many wonderful memories throughout the years. Bill’s children and grandchildren will best remember him as part of the many family gatherings, trips, dinners, games, and unannounced visits that he and Joan shared over the years with their family. Funeral Service will be held at the Solsberry Christian Church on Wednesday August 2 at 11:00 A.M. with Jim Weimer and Stew Cobine presiding. Burial will follow at Solsberry Cemetery with Military rights performed by Solsberry American Legion Post # 450 Honor Guard. Visitation will be Tuesday August 1 from 4 to 8 P.M. and 10 A.M. Wednesday until the time of the service at Solsberry Christian Church. In lieu of Flowers donations may be made to the Solsberry Cemetery Association at 12526 E. Chapel Road, Solsberry, Indiana 47459. Online condolences and memories can be shared at www.jenkinsfuneralhomes.com.

William E. "Bill" Thacker

June 21, 1933 - July 30, 2023