Robert Julian "Bob" Thacker Sr. of Hugo, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully on July 13, 2026, at the age of 85, leaving behind a legacy of ingenuity, laughter, unwavering determination, and unconditionallove. Born on September 11, 1940, in Richmond, Virginia, Bob was the son of Julian and Helen Thacker.

Bob proudly served his country in the United States Air Force from 1959 to 1963, an experience that
reflected the patriotism and work ethic that would define the rest of his life.

Although Oklahoma became his home, Bob's heart never left the salty waters of Virginia and the
Chesapeake Bay. It was there that his lifelong love for hunting, fishing, boating, and the outdoors was
born. Whether casting a fishing line, sharing stories from hunting trips, admiring a beautifully restored
classic car, or simply watching the water, he found peace in the places he loved most.

When Bob moved to Oklahoma, he brought those passions with him. The woods, lakes, and rivers of his
new home became the backdrop for countless adventures with his children and grandchildren.
Patiently teaching them to fish, sharing hunting traditions, and creating memories in the great
outdoors became some of his greatest joys. Those days in deer stands, on riverbanks, and around
campfires were never just about the hunt or the catch - they were about time together, lessons learned,
laughter shared, and a love for nature that will continue through generations of his family.

In 1980, Bob relocated to Oklahoma through his employment with Weyerhaeuser, where he served as
Maintenance Supervisor in the Trucking Department at the Wright City plant. It was there that he met
Sammye Jo, who worked in the office - contradicting the story Bob liked to tell everyone: he found her
in a tree at work. Their love story quickly blossomed, and on April 1, 1982, they were married. True to
his wonderfully dry sense of humor, immediately after the ceremony Bob turned to his new bride,
smiled, and said, 'April Fools,' before letting out his signature chuckle. It was a moment that perfectly
captured the wit that made everyone around him smile.

Those fortunate enough to know Bob often described him as one of the smartest and most talented
people they had ever met. There seemed to be nothing he couldn't repair, build, improve, or invent. His
creativity knew no limits. If someone could imagine it, Bob could build it - and somehow make it even
better.

Throughout his life, Bob's talents led him down many remarkable paths. In his early years, he owned a
successful body shop and later an excavating company, where he built seawalls along the shorelines he
loved so dearly. While working for a camper manufacturer, he designed and built one of the company's
best-selling campers. During his years at Weyerhaeuser, his engineering abilities resulted in the
creation of a log truck so massive that it was too large to legally travel Oklahoma highways - it was
permitted only to cross them. He was a gifted master carpenter, electrician, plumber, mechanic,
fabricator, and designer. To many, he could solve problems others believed impossible.

Yet, impressive as those accomplishments were, they paled in comparison to the role he treasured
most - that of husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

Above all, Bob treasured his family. Whether building something with his hands, teaching a life lesson,
sharing one of his famous hunting or fishing stories, or simply spending time together, he had a remarkable way of making every moment meaningful. His quiet wisdom, generous spirit, and
unwavering love created a legacy that will live on through every child, grandchild, and
great-grandchild fortunate enough to call him Dad, Grandpa, or Great-Grandpa.

Bob approached everything in life with incredible attention to detail and a relentless pursuit of
perfection. Self-determined beyond comprehension, he simply refused to give up until a problem had
been solved. One family favorite tells of a 1,200-mile road trip during which Bob became determined to
find a Magic 8 Ball - not because he wanted one, but because he wanted his grandchildren to
experience the simple joy of owning one. His persistence paid off, just as it always seemed to.

He also lived by one steadfast rule: if the family passed something while traveling, they were not
turning around to go back. The only exception occurred if Bob happened to be asleep and never
realized it had happened. Those moments became part of the countless stories that still bring smiles
today.

Bob possessed a wonderfully dry sense of humor that could catch you off guard and leave you laughing
long afterward. He could outlast even the most enthusiastic shoppers in a mall, and his hunting and
fishing adventures became legendary among family and friends. He loved telling those stories just as
much as everyone loved hearing them.

Though Bob faced numerous health challenges throughout his life, he met each one with resilience,
determination, and quiet strength. In the end, it was his heart that gave out. Ironically, the part of him
that loved the deepest became his greatest weakness.

There are simply no words capable of expressing the impact Bob had on those fortunate enough to
know him. Perhaps that is the true measure of a life well lived - not in accomplishments or possessions,
but in the love left behind. He made those around him feel safe, capable, valued, and deeply loved.
While words may never fully describe that feeling, his family will carry it with them forever.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Julian and Helen Thacker, and daughter, Dana Jo.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 44 years, Sammye Jo Thacker (Peters); daughter, Cindy Ruminer
and husband Robbie of Durant, Oklahoma; daughter Kay Jeanes and husband Terry of Arcadia,
Oklahoma; son Thomas Thacker and wife Shannon of Hugo, Oklahoma; son Robert Thacker Jr. and wife
Sheila of Quinton, Virginia; his brothers, James Thacker and wife Paula of Virginia and Pete Thacker
and wife Joyce of Florida; and by his beloved baby sister, Julie Grandstaff of Virginia, whom he adored;
and his nephew, James M. Grandstaff III and wife Beth of Scottsville, Virginia.

Bob leaves behind a legacy through his cherished grandchildren: Conner Ruminer and wife Katlyn of
Tuttle, Oklahoma; Blake Lundry of Princeton, Texas; Lauren Ruminer of Santa Monica, California;
Dustin Jeanes and wife Lauren of Edmond, Oklahoma; Kasey Wood and husband Lindall of Luther,
Oklahoma; Samantha Nunez and husband Matt of Jones, Oklahoma; Julian Thacker and wife Khaki of
Mechanicsville, Virginia; Kelsey Garner and husband Ryan of Little Rock, Arkansas; Jake Merfeld and
wife Michelle of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Brandon Merfeld and wife Ashley of Marion, Iowa; and Lindsey
Machado and husband Kevin of Richmond, Virginia.

He was also the proud great-grandfather of many beautiful and treasured great-grandchildren, each of
whom brought immeasurable joy to his life.

Honoring Bob's wishes, there will be no funeral or memorial service. Instead, his family will gather
privately to return him to the Chesapeake Bay, where the salty waters he loved throughout his life will
gently carry him home.

Though his earthly journey has ended, every cast into quiet waters, every sunrise over the bay, every
vintage car restored, every hunting story shared around a campfire, and every problem solved with
determined hands will forever remind us of Bob. His love, his laughter, and the remarkable example he
set will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know him.

Fair winds and following seas, Bob. Until we meet again, we'll think of you whenever the tide rolls in,
the leaves start to turn in the fall, and the fish start biting.