CHESTER M. THACKER, 95, NEW PORT RICHEY, FLORIDA & FORMERLY OF LANDES, ILLINOIS

VISITATION: 2:00 - 3:00 P.M. SUNDAY JULY 22, 2007 - LANDES UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, LANDES, ILLINOIS

FUNERAL SERVICE: 3:00 P.M. SUNDAY JULY 22, 2007 - LANDES UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, LANDES, ILLINOIS

MEMORIALS: IN LIEU OF FLOWERS THE FAMILY REQUESTS THAT DONATIONS BE MADE TO THE LANDES UNITED METHODIST CHURCH - Envelopes available at the Church or may be mailed to the Funeral Home

Chester M. Thacker, 95, New Port Richey, Florida and formerly of Landes, Illinois went peacefully home to be with the Lord Tuesday July 17, 2007, at 8:05 a.m. E.S. T. while at his home in New Port Richey, Florida with his daughter and granddaughter. Born in Lawrence County, Illinois on September 29, 1911, he was the son of Elmer Thacker and Anna Dell (Baker) Thacker. Chester was a farmer. He resided in the Chauncey / Landes area until 2003 when he and Fern moved to New Port Richey, Florida to be with Connie and Jerry. Chester was a member of Landes United Methodist where he had served as Church Treasurer. He was an active member of the Landes Community serving on various Boards. His love of the land and farming were his passion of his life, along with the love for his family and his Savior Jesus.

On February 28, 1931, he married Fern Baker, they were married 75 years when she passed away on October 11, 2006. Also preceding him in death were his parents; one son, George Thacker; son-in-law, Jerry Dick and one brother, Lowell Thacker.

Survivors include one daughter, Connie Dick; three grandchildren, Jeanean & Jim Gruzlewski, Blake & Brenda Smith and Danette Smith; eight great-grandchildren, Paige, Lindsay & Kyle Gruzlewski, Jacob & Caleb Smith and Bridgitte, Matthew and Macey Paddick; one brother and sister-in-law, Bob & Shirley Thacker; and one sister and brother-in-law, Mildred & Jack Fornshell.

Burial is in Keplinger Cemetery, rural Landes, Illinois.