Richard D. Thatcher

Richard D. “Dick” Thatcher, age 89, passed away peacefully on March 8, 2026.

Born on August 6, 1936, at home in Fenton, Michigan, to Vernon D. Thatcher and Edith M. Thatcher, Dick moved with his family to Coral, Michigan, in 1950. He entered the United States Air Force in 1955, serving as an Airman Third Class Mechanic until his honorable discharge in 1958. In 1959, he met and married the love of his life, Sonja. The couple made their home in Modesto, California, where they raised their three sons. Dick worked as an insurance broker for more than 50 years, forging strong relationships with clients and colleagues through his steady dedication and kind demeanor.

He found joy in boating, fishing, and watching sports, but above all he cherished time spent with family and friends. After Sonja’s passing, Dick returned to Michigan and lived with his sister in Coral, where she cared for him with love and devotion until the end.

Dick is survived by his sister, LaVerna Smith; his sons, Dale (Boo) Thatcher and Andy (Shirley) Thatcher; his granddaughter, Chantelle Thatcher; his grandson, David Thatcher; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Vernon D. Thatcher and Edith M. Thatcher; his sister, Patricia A. Burns; and his son, Dan Thatcher.