Jerry Thatcher

Jerry W. Thatcher, 80, of Convoy, passed away at 8:30 AM on Sunday, September 19, 2021 at his residence. He was born on December 31, 1940, in Van Wert, to the late Vincent and Gertrude Thatcher.

A 1960 graduate of Van Wert High School, Jerry went on to marry the love of his life, Joyce Matthews on April 21, 1962. Together, they shared years of memories. Jerry retired from BF Goodrich after 33 years and was a longtime member of Sugar Ridge Church of God.

As a car enthusiast, Jerry was a member of The R.E. Olds Chapter of the Oldsmobile Club of America in Lansing, MI and the Pontiac-Oakland Club International. He enjoyed attending swap meets and entering car shows where he won numerous awards. Jerry restored his own classic cars and was a proud owner of a '72 Oldsmobile 442, a '62 Ford Galaxie Sunliner and a '97 Oldsmobile Delta 88 Indy 500 Pace Car.

Jerry also loved animals and critters of all kinds and always made sure to feed them. He was especially fond of cats, including his grey cat, Baby.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Joyce Thatcher of Convoy; son, Steve (Vickie) Thatcher of Decatur,; daughter, Michele (Tim) Miller of Fort Wayne; brother, Barry Thatcher of Van Wert; grandchildren: Jonathan "Cole" Thatcher and Lucas Thatcher of Decatur; Abby (Andrew) Francis of NC and Joel Miller of Fort Wayne.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Virginia Prine.

Funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM, Wednesday, September 22, 2021 at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home 722 S. Washington St. Van Wert, OH 45891 with Rev. Bud Walls officiating. Interment will follow in Convoy I.O.O.F. Cemetery, Township Hwy 176 Convoy, OH 45832.

Family and friends will be received two hours prior to services on Wednesday, from 12 to 2 PM at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Jerry`s memory may be sent to CHP Home Care & Hospice or to Nationwide Children's Hospital.

To share in Jerry's online memorial, please visit www.alspachgearhart.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory, 722 S Washington Street, Van Wert, OH 45891.