Donald R. “Bob” Thayer, loving husband, father and grandfather, passed away on July 2, 2024, at Restwell Home Plus in Oskaloosa, Kansas, after a long illness.
Bob was born Oct. 17, 1931, at Indianapolis, to Warren P. and Evah (Roher) Thayer. When his family moved to Kansas City he attended and graduated from Shawnee Mission East High School in 1948. He earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Cincinnati, where he was a member of Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity.
Bob served his country as a Naval Corpsman (medic) during the Korean War at the US Naval Hospital in Philadelphia. He was very proud and dedicated to his service and was awarded a letter of commendation for outstanding performance.
On July 4, 1957, while vacationing in Michigan, he met Judy. After a long distance, whirlwind romance Bob and Judy (DeGergus) became Mr. and Mrs. Thayer on July 12, 1958, in the Community Church in Ludington, Michigan. They would have celebrated their 66th anniversary this July 12.
Bob was diverse in his careers. His father, brother and he created and developed a urethane foam manufacturing company in Lafayette (Perry Chemical and Mfg, now Perry Foam). He was also a State Farm Insurance agent in Crawfordsville for many years during which he received several awards.
Bob was an invested father, very proud of his children’s educational and career accomplishments. He always loved to hear their stories of their endeavors.
Bob and Judy enjoyed traveling west in their RV to visit their children and grandchildren in California and Texas. They also made many wonderful trips to Mexico and the UK with family and friends.
After 30 years in the Lafayette area, they entered a joint venture with son, Bob Jr. and daughter-in-law, Joy and purchased their home in Oskaloosa.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents and brother Warren Thayer Jr.
He is survived by wife Judy; son D Robert Thayer Jr. (Joy); daughter Kathryn S. Schoemamn (Guillermo Rocha); and five grandchildren, Christopher Schoemann (Adriana), Leslie Kabus (Bart), Rosie Schoemann, Wyatt Thayer and Reagan Thayer; great-grandson Bart Kabus; plus several nieces and nephews.
Cremation care has taken place with services being held at a later date at the Old Stone Church Cemetery in Maple Hill, Kansas, where he will be put to rest alongside his great-grandparents and his parents.
Visit online at www.barnettfamilyfh.com.
