Ernest Andrew Thacker was born February 28, 1940 in Russell, Kansas, the son of Harold & Amy (Corwin) Thacker.  He passed away at the Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney, NE on August 22, 2019 at the age of 79, surrounded by his family.

Ernest (Ernie) Thacker grew up in the Russell, Kansas area and graduated from Russell High School in 1958.  Two years later he was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart, Thelma G. Wells, on June 12, 1960 and they celebrated 59 years of marriage.   From this union they had two sons and one daughter.

Shortly after graduating high school Ernie worked as a parts man for General Motors in the Russell, Leoti and Phillipsburg areas.  In November of 1969 he started working for Winchell's, where he made numerous friends in the farming community.  He was always willing to accommodate his customers.

Ernie was a member of the United Methodist Church in Phillipsburg and a charter member of the Borderline Gun Club.  While his kids were growing up he was very involved in their 4-H projects, taking them to numerous 4-H events.  Family was very important to him and he never missed the opportunity to spend time with relatives.  He always looked forward to family gatherings.

Ernie enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping and woodworking.

He dearly loved all his grandchildren – they were his greatest blessings.  He will be deeply missed by his family and all those who knew and shared his love and laughter.

Survivors include his wife, Thelma; sons, Rodney (Michelle) of Hays, KS and Doug (Kelly) of Casper, WY and daughter, Carrie (Mark) Bredemeier of Colby, KS; brother, Harold (Shirley) Thacker of Wichita, KS and sister, Amy Ellen Casper of North Platte, NE; six grandchildren:  Jeremy, Nathan, Seth, Kortney, Quinn and Zoe; five great- grandchildren:  Caden, Colby Jay, Cormick, Clancy Mae and Henrik; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

Ernie is preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Amy, and a brother, Lester.

Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, August 27, 2019 in the United Methodist Church, Phillipsburg, with Pastor Blake Stanwood officiating.  Burial will follow in the Fairview Cemetery, Phillipsburg.

Mr. Thacker will lie in state from noon until 9 p.m. Sunday and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday in the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, 1115 2 ^nd Street, Phillipsburg, KS  67661, with the family receiving friends Monday evening from 7:00 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. for visitation.

Memorial contributions may be made to the United Methodist Church or the United Methodist Women Thrift Store.