Richard Edward Thayer

Richard Thayer (82) passed away Nov. 10, 2023, after several medical challenges. He was a loving, caring, funny guy and the life of the party.

A jokester to the end, he loved art, football, golf, all roller coasters, 50’s Rock-n Roll music, and traveling to his resort condo in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Having taught for the Ferguson Florissant School District for 36 years, he was also a major asset and part of its Celebrate Children Performing Arts Program for 20 years. He is survived by his beloved wife and partner of 32 years, Betsy Anderson-Thayer, his brother Cherrel (Duke) Thayer, children Scott Thayer, Tracy Thayer-Razor (David), Matthew Anderson (Briceline), Victoria Anderson-Ide (Melvin), his niece Heidi Thayer, cousin Christy Rodriguez, grandchildren, Dawn and Jason Razor and Mattie and Mason Anderson (who called him King Richard because he was bigger than life. ) He is also preceded in death by his parents Cherrel Lee Thayer, Bernice (Kennedy) Thayer, and nephew Lee Thayer. Richard was known for his architectural 3-D drawings of places where he had lived and loved to travel, especially Route 66. He was an athlete in high school and college, who along with his brother, played football for Dakota Wesleyan University in Mitchell, South Dakota.

In lieu of flowers, you might donate to the St. Ferdinand School art program for supplies so that children may continue to enjoy creating art as much as he did. A service and celebration for Richard will take place at St. Ferdinand Catholic Church (1765 Charbonier Rd, Florissant, MO 63031) on Saturday, January 13, 2024, beginning at 11:00 am with a gathering afterward at the church’s Duchesne Center.