Jesse Frank Thrasher

Jesse Frank Thrasher, age 91, of Lamar, passed away Wednesday, May 27, 2015 at Freeman West Hospital in Joplin.      Frank was born November 7, 1923, in Gravette, Arkansas, one of the eight children of Eddie and Myra (Jesse) Thrasher.  He was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers, Dave, Paul, Marion, and Doug Thrasher; and his sister, Anna Mae Rock.      On May 12, 1945, at Pittsburg, Kansas, Frank married Violet Higgins and they made their home in Lamar.  Less than three months later, he entered the U.S. Army, serving through the end of World War II.  Returning home, Frank began a career that spanned 43 years at Thorco Industries.  In addition to being a devoted husband and father, Frank will be remembered as a loyal friend and great neighbor. Frank enjoyed sharing the fruits of his labor, whether it was big, juicy tomatoes from his garden or warm chocolate chip cookies from his oven. A charter member of Lamar Art League, he was a talented and accomplished artist who made nature come alive on canvas with his oil paints.  Frank was an active member of First Baptist Church of Lamar where he served many years as a deacon and participated in the Fishermen’s Class.  Frank and Violet shared their love and their lives for 57 years until her death on January 27, 2002.      Survivors include a daughter, Jeanie (Bill) Burkhardt of Pueblo, Colorado; a son, David (Barb) Thrasher of Lamar; two brothers, John Thrasher, San Diego, California and Jack Thrasher, Lamar; and three grandchildren, Melissa Burkhardt-Shields and husband Forrest, Colorado Springs, Colorado, Todd (Jen) Burkhardt, Centennial, Colorado, and Tai Thrasher, Springfield, Missouri.      Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, June 2, 2015, at First Baptist Church.  A light lunch reception/visitation for all friends and family will follow the service in the church fellowship hall.  A graveside committal service with full military honors will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday at Memory Gardens Cemetery.      Memorial contributions are suggested to First Baptist Church or Barton County Senior Center in care of Daniel Funeral Home.