Jim Thacker Obituary

Robert James “Jim” Thacker of Fort Smith, Arkansas, formerly of Howe, Oklahoma was born September 23, 1933 in Barnsdall, Oklahoma to Garrett and Fannie (Leffler) Thacker and passed away January 3, 2025 in Fort Smith, Arkansas at the age of 91.

He is survived by:

One daughter:

Alice Wyatt of Ponca City, Oklahoma

Three grandchildren:

Wendy Watkins and husband Bill of Ponca City, Oklahoma

Ashley Thacker of San Antonio, Texas

Tim Thacker and wife Michelle of Inez, Texas

Five great-grandchildren:

Hannah Hartness, Wyatt Watkins, Garrett Watkins, Thomas Thacker, and Zoee Thacker

Two great-great-grandchildren

Numerous nieces and nephews

He was preceded in death by his wife, Frankie; and one son, Monty Thacker. Jim was a long-time resident of the area, a member of the Springhill Baptist Church, and worked for Arkansas Oklahoma Gas for 32 years as a meter technician. He was also a two-time President of the Heavener Kiwanis Club and served on the Howe #5 Water Board, the P.V.I.A. Water Board, and the Salvation Army Board. Jim was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, great-great grandfather and friend. He will be missed by all who knew him.

Funeral service will be 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, January 8, 2025 at Springhill Baptist Church in Howe, Oklahoma with Brother Larry Stacy and Mr. Eldon Dugan officiating.  Burial will be in Lovings Cemetery under the direction of Dowden-Roberts Funeral Home of Heavener, Oklahoma.

Pallbearers will be: Bill Watkins, Rick Wyatt, Mike Orr, Randy Martin, Eldon Dugan, and Wyatt Watkins. 

Viewing will be from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m., Monday and 9:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, with the family visiting from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Tuesday at the funeral home.