Lawrence E. “Larry” Thacker passed away unexpectedly in his sleep on January 7, 2025. He was born to Charles C. and Georgiann (Diesko) Thacker on October 26, 1955, in Independence, Missouri, the first of five children welcomed into their family.
In 1968, the family moved to Lenexa, Kansas, where Larry attended schools in the Shawnee Mission district, including Shawnee Mission West High School, however, that was not his calling. Instead, he found his place working alongside his father in the grocery business during the 1970s, a path he followed into the early 1990s.
He later spent years in warehouse work, moving packed food products day in and day out — a job he approached with the same grit and reliability he brought to everything in life. Eventually, his wife “approved” his retirement, though it didn’t take long for boredom to set in. Larry decided he needed a little “spending money,” and more importantly, something to do.
He found both at Fareway Meat Market, where he joined the meat department. It might as well have been called the “meet” market, because Larry loved nothing more than meeting people. He took genuine joy in chatting with customers. It was work that suited him perfectly — part job, part social hour, and entirely Larry.
Larry and Anne (Haegele) married in 1992 and built a life centered on home, routine, and each other. They enjoyed family dinners with Larry’s siblings, evenings out with friends, and the occasional concert or show at New Theatre. Larry loved to drive, often getting in the car with no destination in mind and taking off for hours, content simply to be on the road. They also enjoyed traveling whenever the opportunity arose. Together they visited many states, Canada, and twice fulfilled a dream of seeing and experiencing Italy. They were looking forward to Anne’s retirement, imagining the extra time they would finally have to explore more of the world side by side.
Larry enjoyed simple pleasures: fishing, taking photos, and following KU sports, the Royals, and the Chiefs — though depending on the season, it was sometimes hard to tell whether he was cheering or jeering his teams. He cherished the company of his lunch and dinner friends, many of whom became like family.
Larry loved his animals; there were always at least two — some combination of cats, dogs, or birds — filling the house with life. He especially loved when they curled up beside him at night.
At home, Larry poured his energy into “starting” projects around the house. Whether or not they ever reached completion was beside the point — he approached each new idea with enthusiasm, determination, and a twinkle in his eye.
More than anything, Larry loved and adored his nieces and nephews and their growing families. Being their uncle was one of the greatest joys of his life. He felt deeply blessed and endlessly proud of each of them, and those kids made him feel like the luckiest man in the world.
Larry will be remembered for his love of family and pets, and for his enthusiasm for purchasing new cars, phones, electronic gadgets as well as clothes…especially hats. He also acquired a newfound love for yardwork and making everything outdoors charming.
Larry is survived by his wife of 33 years, Anne.
He is also survived by his sister, Loretta (Greg) Russell, and their children:
David (Kara Southern) and their children, Neal and Sam
Courtney (Josh) Rae and their children, Emmett and Taylor
Larry is further survived by his three brothers:
Phil (Becky) Thacker, and their children:
Christopher (Michelle)
Emily (Tim) Ewin, and their sons, Jaxon and Levi
Hannah (Elliott) Ivory, and their children, Jadyn, Nia, and Ella
Haley (Patrik) Trautloff, and their children, Naomi and Watson
Robert (Denise) Thacker, and their children:
Zachary (mother, Julie)
Conlin
Benit
Greg (Suzanne Smith) Thacker
He is also survived by his sister‑in‑law, Karen (John) Duggan, and their children: Jack, Katherine, and Joseph; his mother‑in‑law, Dorothy Haegele; and his father‑in‑law, Bill (Fran) Haegele.
Larry leaves behind his aunts MarySue, Betty and Daphne, along with many extended family members, friends, wonderful neighbors, and a few knuckleheads he loved just the same.
He was preceded in death by his beloved mother and father and by many cherished pets who surely greeted him at the heavenly gates.
A Rosary will be held at 5 p.m. Thursday, January 15, 2026 with visitation following until 7:00 p.m. at the Porter Funeral Home, Lenexa, Kansas. A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, January 16th at Divine Mercy Catholic Church, 555 W. Main Street, Gardner, KS 66030. In lieu of flowers, his family suggests memorial gifts be made to Divine Mercy Catholic Church or the local animal shelter or charity of the donor’s choice.