Tommy Gene Thacker, Commander

Tommy Gene Thacker, Commander, USN (Ret), 81 of Swansea, IL, made his final flight to the Lord Wednesday, December 9, 2020. Born in Poplar Bluff, MO on May 17, 1939, he was the dutiful son of a baker and the owner of a hair salon.

After attending Poplar Bluff High School, and Westminster College, he enlisted in the US Navy in 1961 entering the flight training program, serving on active duty for years, and in the reserve until retirement in 1989, rising to the rank of Commander. He continued the service to his country working at the National Geospatial – Intelligence Agency ultimately retiring as a Quality Systems Manager – Aeronautical Division.

Tommy retired to Swansea, IL, in an active homeowner’s association community enjoying many friends and activities.

He was an admired Patriot and father of two sons, Tom G. Thacker II  and wife Dr. Holly Thacker of Valley View, OH and Jonathan T. Thacker  and wife Beth Thacker of Estero, FL. He is survived also by his brother Harry Thacker of which they maintained a close family bond; grandfather to three impressive young men, Stetson T. Thacker and wife Laura Thacker, Emerson T. Thacker and Grayson T. Thacker; and great-grandfather to Artemis Vera Thacker.  He was preceded in death by his father, Harry Lee Thacker and his mother Arthurine (Rainwater) Thacker.

In lieu of funeral services, his wish was to be honored in life by internment at Arlington National Cemetery with full Military Honors.

Cotrell Funeral Service is honored to serve the family of Tommy Gene Thacker.