Ronald Haviland Thayer

Ronald Haviland Thayer, 76, passed away peacefully on March 11, 2026, at Duke University Hospital. Born in Pekin, Illinois, to the late Robert Haviland Thayer and Kaneoda Lorene Thayer, Ron grew up with a spirit of service and curiosity that would shape his life.

After high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War and served six years as a submariner. He rose to the rank of Electronics Technician, Nuclear, Third Class Petty Officer and worked on the forefront of computer technology aboard submarines before receiving an honorable discharge. Following his military service, Ron earned an Associate Degree in Culinary Arts from Joliet Junior College. He later served as Aquatics Director at the D-Bar-A Scout Ranch in Metamora, Michigan, where he met Susan Kovacs. They married in 1984 and together raised two sons, Zachary and Benjamin (Xander), during their 27-year marriage. Ron went on to work for the United States Postal Service for 23 years before retiring.

Ron was a devoted sports fan who loved the St. Louis Cardinals, the Chicago Blackhawks, the Chicago Bulls, the Carolina Hurricanes, the New Orleans Saints, and the Oakland Raiders. He also enjoyed umpiring baseball part-time in Florida and New Orleans. He is survived by his sons Zachary Thayer and Xander Thayer, his daughter-in-law Elise Thayer, his granddaughter Georgia Marie Thayer, his siblings Robert Thayer, Randy Thayer, and Marilyn Thayer, his sisters-in-law Judith Thayer and Jennifer Thayer, his niece Julie Thompson and her husband Eric, his niece-in-law Carrie Thayer, and his ex-wife Susan. He was preceded in death by his granddaughters Reese and Scottie and his nephew Adam.