Duane Lee Thacker, 79, of Russell, Kansas, died on Wednesday, December 28, 2022, at the Hospice and Homecare of Reno, County in Hutchinson, Kansas.
Duane was born on August 21, 1943, in Russell, Kansas, the son of Percy E. and Ruby (Corwin) Thacker. He grew up in Paradise, Kansas and graduated from Paradise High School. He was married to Janet Schmitz and later was married to Janet Burghardt. He also lived in Stockton and Luray and worked as owner and operator of I-70 Used Cars. He enjoyed old cars, working on cars, old westerns on TV, riding horses when he was younger and spending time with his family. Most of all he especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren.
Surviving family include his sons Rick Thacker of Russell, Kansas, Ronnie (Shawna) Thacker of Offerle, Kansas and Russell Thacker of Hays, Kansas; step-son Kelly (Sarah) DePiesse of Hays, Kansas, brother Alex “Butch” Thacker of Salina, Kansas, significant other Mary DePiesse of Russell, Kansas, 11 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren, 1 niece and 4 nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; son Ryan Thacker, Daughter Rachelle “Shelley” Thacker, sister Darlene Mowry and wives Janet Lynn (Schmitz) Thacker and Janet Marie (Burghardt) Thacker.
Cremation has been selected by the family and a memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 14, 2022, at the Luray United Methodist Church in Luray, Kansas. Burial of remains will be at a later date. Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, Kansas is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.