Robert W. Thacker

Robert Walter Thacker, 76, of Monticello passed away at 10:17 p.m. Tuesday, November 5, 2024, at his home with his family at his side.

Bob was born on April 12, 1948, in Lafayette, Indiana, to the late Walter and Roberta (Platt) Thacker. He grew up in Monon, Indiana, and often told stories of those years which included fishing, bicycling, and playing ball with good friends, many of whom stayed in touch over the years. He graduated in 1966 from North White High School. In 1970 he graduated from Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois, and went on to Indiana University School of Law, graduating in 1973. After working in Rock Springs, Wyoming, he returned to Monticello to help the community recover from the tornado in 1974, serving as White County Deputy Prosecutor.

In the midst of a historic blizzard, Robert Thacker was married to Emily Garber on December 10, 1977 at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church in Goshen, Indiana. They were married for 47 years. Emily survives along with daughters Dana Thacker of Chicago, Illinois, and Quinn Thacker of Indianapolis, Indiana, and son Wesley Thacker, his wife Ellen (Mrzlack) Thacker of Indianapolis, Indiana, and cherished grandchildren, Esmae Marie Thacker and Roselyn Sue Thacker. 

During the fall of 1986, Bob was elected as Circuit Court Judge of White County. He held the position of Circuit Court Judge for 32 years, retiring December 31, 2018. His tenure as judge was the longest in White County history. He loved his years of public service and the people he worked with, running his office with an open-door policy. He enjoyed mentoring young attorneys but rejected praise, calling it “just sharing.” Many of the attorneys he worked with remember a courtroom where they were pushed to be better. Bob wanted to make sure the right questions were asked because he cared about the law and the people it affected. He understood the gravity of the decisions he made and greatly respected the responsibility he held in office. His retirement was bittersweet.  

Bob relished watching and playing sports. When he and Emily were first married, he bought her a baseball glove and they’d play catch in the evenings after work. Having worked at TCC as a teenager, Bob developed love and skill for the game of golf. Known for his left-handed putting prowess, he found many friendships and happy memories on the course. He loved the Chicago Cubs, arriving early for games on the el so he could watch batting practice. He cheered on the Northwestern Wildcats football and basketball teams and was proud of their first NCAA basketball tournament berth in 2017. It goes without mentioning that Bob was a prolific Indiana Hoosiers Basketball fan. He attended every home game in Bloomington for many years and made his presence in Assembly Hall well known. 

Bob’s family thought the world of him, and he of them. They will remember him as a butterscotch sundae connoisseur who eagerly anticipated the arrival of Indiana sweet corn in the summer. He loved to travel and was superb at arranging family trips. He was especially fond of the National Parks and the American West. He enjoyed Westerns and the lessons they taught, often speaking of the “cowboy code.” Live each day with courage. Take pride in your work. Always finish what you start. Do what has to be done. Be tough but fair. When you make a promise, keep it. Ride for the brand. Talk less and say more. Remember that some things aren’t for sale. Know where to draw the line. 

He will be missed.

Preceding him in death are his parents, Walter and Roberta Thacker of Monon, Indiana, and his in-laws, Clare and Frances Garber of Goshen, Indiana. Also surviving are Bob’s sisters-in-law and their families: Nancy and Paul Jacobs of Traverse City, Michigan, Judy and Pat Corso of Pinehurst, North Carolina, and Cindy and Larry Cooper of Middlebury, Indiana, and his 7 nieces and nephews who adored their Uncle Bob. He is also survived by 20-year-old Lando, whom he named, the last in a long line of family cats. 

Friends may call on Friday evening, November 15 from 4-7 p.m. at Springer-Voorhis-Draper Funeral Home in Monticello, Indiana. This will be a public visitation to say goodbye, pay respects, reminisce, and share memories.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Eiteljorg Museum of Native and Western Art in Indianapolis, Indiana. Make a Donation to the Eiteljorg Museum at www.eiteljorg.org/give-and-join/donate/make-a-donation/

Friends and family are encouraged to share a photo, a memory, or messages of condolence at www.springervoorhisdraper.com

Springer-Voorhis-Draper Funeral Home of Monticello is entrusted with care.