Van L. Thacker

Van L. Thacker, 78, of Patriot, IN, passed away on Friday, July 25th, 2025 at St. Elizabeth Dearborn Hospital in Lawrenceburg, IN. Van was born in Milan, IN on December 15, 1946, a son of the late Edith Ruth (Miller) Bunger and Willis Lee Thacker. He was a graduate of Patriot High School, Class of 1965. Van was the husband of Sandy (Thompson) Thacker. Van and Sandy were married in 1981. Van was a truck driver for 60 years. He operated his own company, Fred Black Enterprises, named after his dog that was his faithful companion for many years. Van later drove for Crum  Trucking in Batesville, IN. Trucks and truck driving was Van's life. He could tell you every detail about any truck he saw. Van was a beloved fixture in the Patriot community. He was a member of the Patriot Masonic Lodge, a former member of the Patriot Volunteer Fire Department and he attended the Patriot Baptist Church. He was known for his kind and easy going nature and will be deeply missed by his family and friends.

Van is survived by his loving wife, Sandy Thacker, of Patriot, IN; by a son, Ronald E. Holt (Virginia), of Patriot, IN; by 5 grandchildren: Laci Waine, Dillan Holt, Katie Batchlor, Josh Chase and Danielle Johnson and by several great grandchildren. Van is also survived by Tony Rider, of Patriot, IN who was like another son to him. Van was preceded in death by his father, Willis Thacker; by his mother and stepfather, Edith and Robert "Skip" Bunger; by his brother, Wayne Rider and by his sister and brother-in-law, Darlene and Clyde Carter. 
 
A celebration of Van's life will be held at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to the Patriot Baptist Church. Markland Funeral Home of Rising Sun, IN serving the family. marklandfuneralhome.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Van L. Thacker, please visit our floral store.