Frank Thatcher

Frank Thatcher, age 83, of La Grande, died Saturday, October 23, 2010 at a local care center with his family. A celebration of life will be held on Monday, November 1, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. at the Summerville Cemetery Chapel and burial will be in the family plot. Arrangements are entrusted to Daniels~Knopp Funeral, Cremation & Life Celebration Center.

Mr. Thatcher was born on July 24, 1927 in Huntington to son of Clement M. and Vina L. (McKinnis) Thatcher. The family transferred to La Grande in 1941 and he graduated from La Grande High School with the class of 1945. He actually completed requirements in December so he could enlist in the United States Army in January of 1945 as many did during the time of World War II.

He served with Company F 17th Infantry. Following the end of the war Company F was stationed in South Korea in empty warehouses until January 1947 when ships arrived to bring them home. He was in charge of developing recreation and was the mail clerk while there. Believe it or not they traveled on the Liberty Ship Oregon. He has Army Of Occupation and Victory Medals.

Following his time in the service he attended Eastern Oregon College and majored in Education. He married Mildred Calhoun, also an Eastern student in 1949. He taught for three years in Eastern Oregon and then moved to Forest Grove. While there he did Administration for awhile but found he preferred classrooms. In 1958 he moved to Pendleton where he taught math until his retirement. Through the years of his teaching career he attended summer sessions at eight different colleges in the United States with National Service Foundation grants that were then available. He enjoyed being a student himself. He acquired two Masters Degrees in two fields.

He enjoyed classical music and played several instruments himself. An idol was Harry James. Hunting and fishing were favorites. He was also accomplished as a leather craftsman. As his sons grew up he was involved with them with the Boy Scouts. His favorite organization here in La Grande was Mt. Emily VFW Post 2990.

Survivors include his wife, Mildred Thatcher of La Grande; children, Sheryl and Norm Brown of La Grande, Merrill and Esther Thatcher of Hermiston and Darrell and Shelly Thatcher of Coberg, Oregon; three grandchildren; four great grandchildren and other relatives and friends.

Memorials contributions may be made in his memory to the National Cancer Society or the Shriner's Hospital for Children in Portland in care of Daniels~Knopp, 1502 7th Street, La Grande, Oregon 97850.

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