Vern C Thacker

Vern C Thacker, age 90, passed away April 17, 2016 in Provo from causes incident to age. Vern was born September 13, 1925 to Ray and Mima Casper Thacker in Heber City, Utah, the third of seven children. He grew up in Heber Valley, spending most summers working in the family sawmills in the nearby Uinta Mountains. He graduated from Wasatch High School and immediately entered the US Navy in 1943. He served in the Pacific Theater of World War II before his discharge in 1946.

Upon return from the war Vern accepted a call to serve in the California Mission for the LDS Church from 1946 to 1948. While serving in Boron, CA near the end of his mission, he was instrumental in the recovery of the original architectural plans for the Nauvoo LDS Temple, which were later used to reconstruct the temple completed in 2002. Following his missionary service, he completed a degree in English from Brigham Young University. He worked for Dun & Bradstreet Corp in various capacities around the country until his retirement in 1981. He spent the last 35 years of his life residing in his beloved Heber Valley.

He married Suzanne Witt June 9, 1953 in the Salt Lake LDS Temple and had three children. He was a devoted husband, father, and mentor to his family and friends. He found his greatest joy in spending time with his children and grandchildren. Vern was a lifelong member of the LDS Church, serving in numerous capacities. He lived a full life and loved to share stories about his experiences growing up in the mountains and his adventures in the South Pacific.

Vern is preceded in death by his parents and four of his brothers and sisters. He is survived by his devoted wife of nearly 63 years and three children: Laura (Kenneth) Ferguson of San Jose, CA, Janette (Stephen) Jewell of Logan, and James (Jessica) Thacker of Highland, his older brother Joseph Thacker and younger sister Marva Edwards, along with nine grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

The family thanks the family, friends, neighbors, and medical professionals who have given generous service to Mom and Dad, allowing them to remain in their home until his final few days.

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, April 23, 2016 in the Heber North Stake Center (521 E. 500 N., Heber City, UT) at 1:00pm. A viewing will be held prior to the funeral services from 11:30-12:30pm at the church. Interment in the Heber City Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to the LDS Church General Missionary fund.