Jerry D. Thatcher

It's with great sadness that we announce the passing of Jerry Don Thatcher,80, of Yamhill, OR on November 3, 2024.
Jerry was born at home on April 14, 1944, to Dick Lloyd Walter and Ruth Elsa (Gallion) Thatcher in Cache, Arkansas. He was the fourth of eight siblings. He grew up in rural Arkansas and in 1954 he with his family moved to California.
He joined the Army in 1962 where he became a paratrooper. In his paratrooper career he recorded 136 jumps. He was injured on his last jump which put him in the position of becoming the driver for the General.
After his honorable discharged, he moved to Oregon where he met Frances Campbell in 1969 in Eugene, OR. They moved to Portland, OR and were married in Sandy, OR on July 22, 1970. They have two daughters.
He started working at TriMet in 1971 and retired 35 years later on Valentine's Day in 2006. He loved spending time with his family. He was an avid outdoorsman. He loved fishing, crabbing, hunting, camping, nature, scuba diving and 4 wheeling. He loved going to the coast and eating at one of his favorite restaurants in Depoe Bay... Tidal Raves.
Survived by his wife, Frances (Kay) of Yamhill, Daughters, Nina (Dennis) Wilson of Lafayette, Millie Thatcher (Dennis) of Sheridan, Grandchildren, Danielle (Aaron) Welliver of Lafayette, Devin (Amber) Teeter of Yamhill, Melissa (Peter) Bansen of Yamhill, DJ (Lexi) MacGillivary of Salem, Sami Thatcher of McMinnville, One Great Grandson and two more Great Grandsons on the way. Siblings, Dee Baker, Bobby (Elsie) Thatcher, Patty (Mick) Persion and Pam Thatcher.
Proceeded in death by his Father Dick Lloyd Walter and Ruth Elsa Thatcher, Brothers, Frank Thatcher, Darrell Thatcher and Denny Thatcher.
His Memorial Service will be announced at a later date.