Rodney Allen Thacker, age 62, passed away on April 20, 2024 at the Flagstaff Medical Center in Flagstaff, Arizona.  Rodney was on a journey to visit the Grand Canyon which he did accomplish.  Sadly, he lost his fight with ALS before he could return home to Kansas.  Rod never gave up, felt sorry for himself or complained about the devastation that ALS was doing to his body.  He led himself with dignity while dealing with a very cruel disease.

Rodney was born on February 27, 1962 in Tribune, Kansas to his parents Ernest A. and Thelma G. (Wells) Thacker.  As a child, Rod was active in 4-H and loved his horses.  Rodney graduated from Phillipsburg High School in 1980.  Rodney had a passion for hunting and cars and graduated from North Central Kansas Technical College in Beloit in Auto Mechanics.  Rodney spent the bulk of his working career as a mechanic for various GM dealerships.  His final working years were with Carrico Implement in Hays, Kansas.

He was united in marriage to Michelle (Lehman) Thacker on June 3, 2006. Rodney and his family enjoyed camping, 4-H activities and spending time with his children and niece and nephews.

Rodney is preceded in death by his father Ernest Thacker.

Survivors include his wife Michelle Thacker of Hays, Kansas, son Quinn Buffington of Overland Park, Kansas, daughter Zoe Buffington of Hays, Kansas, Brother Doug Thacker (wife Kelly) of Casper, Wyoming, sister Carrie Bredemeier (husband Mark) of Colby, Kansas, and mother Thelma Thacker of Phillipsburg, Kansas.

Rodney was a gentle, honest person with a kind heart.  He  was an excellent father and caring husband.  Family was very important to Rod.  He honored his parents and valued the relationships he had with his brother and sister.  His family bond was very strong.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, May 3rd, 2024, at 10:30 a.m., at the United Methodist Church in Phillipsburg, with Pastor Troy Miller officiating.  Burial will follow in the Fairview Cemetery, Phillipsburg.

The family will greet friends and relatives for a visitation on Thursday, May 2, 2024, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., at the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel in Phillipsburg, Kansas.

Memorials may be made to the Phillipsburg Thrift Store.