Danny James Thayer

Danny James Thayer, a life-long resident of Neodesha, KS, passed away Tuesday, January 10, 2023 in Bel Aire, KS at the age of 60.
Danny was born December 26, 1962 in Pittsburg, KS to Edward "Ned"and Donna (Battitori) Thayer. He grew up alongside 5 siblings, attended Neodesha High School, and graduated in the class of 1981. After graduating high school, Danny attended Independence Community College, then Pittsburg State University before going to the Police Academy in 1986.
In his younger years, Danny married Kimberly George. Although they later divorced, they were blessed with 3 children, Nakita, James and Anthony. He then reconnected with his high school sweetheart, Laura Zabel, and they were engaged and looking forward to many more years together.
Danny was a Neodesha man, and his home town was a huge part of him. He was well known as Assistant Police Chief and then Police Chief until his retirement in 2017. He made a huge impact on many people through his career, and many of the people he met in his journey made a huge impact on him. He was a member of the HUD Housing authority, the St. Ignatius Catholic Church, and the Kansas Association of Chiefs of Police, which he served as President for one term.
He loved to hunt, fish, watch football, cook, and most of all, being a police officer. He had a huge heart and a huge family, as all of his hunting buddies and fellow law enforcement were all considered family to him. He loved Christmas, as his birthday was the day after, so he considered the 25th as Christmas only until 6 pm, because after that, it was Danny's Eve.
Danny will be missed by his family, friends, and all those that knew him.
He is survived by his mother, Donna (Brian) Taylor of Olathe, KS
His fiancé, Laura Zabel of Bel Aire, KS
His children, Nakita Thayer (Bryan Gryder) of Shell Knob, MO, James Thayer of Topeka, KS, and Anthony Thayer (Anna Frontaura) of Olathe, KS
His siblings, Bill Thayer of Neodesha, KS, Joy (Lance) Prunty of Neodesha, KS, Brogan (Natalie) Taylor of Florida, and Brianne (Kyle) Winters of Olathe, KS
His aunt and uncle, Darlene (Mike) Burnett of Camdenton, MO
His brother in law, Dusty Allison of Olathe, KS
Numerous nieces and nephews, and many, many friends
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, father, Edward "Ned" Thayer, and sister, Brandy Allison
The family will receive friends at Visitation/Celebration of Life from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM on Wednesday, January 18, 2023 at the St. Ignatius Catholic Church Hall, 816 Grant St., Neodesha, KS 66757, with Rosary being prayed at 12:45 PM.
Graveside service will follow at approximately 1:30 PM at Farmington Cemetery, Harper Road and 1800 Road, Fredonia, KS, turn right on 1800 Road
After graveside service, family invites anyone wanting to fellowship to the VFW Post 3018, 10283 Harper Road, Fredonia, KS 66736
Memorial contributions can be made to the Neodesha Blue Streaks Football team or the Neodesha Police department, and can be mailed to or left with the funeral home.
Services entrusted to Countryside Funeral Home, 420 S. 20th, PO Box 247, Fredonia, KS 66736