Patrick Alan “Pat” Thayer, Stockton, KS, passed away on August 18, 2024, at Saint Luke’s Hospital in Kansas City, MO, at the age of 67. He was born on November 12, 1956, to Austin R. and Imogene P. (Bird) Thayer in Omaha, NE. He married Lorna Hahn on March 16, 1980, in Stockton. They were blessed with four children: Lewis, Aaron, Clayton, and Melissa.
Pat lived in many places as an “air force brat” but mainly grew up in California. He graduated from Norton High School in 1975. As a revered contractor, Pat was known not only for his exceptional skills in the contracting world, but also for his remarkable ability to connect with others. A great conversationalist, he had a talent for engaging people in lively discussions, always leaving them with a smile. His fantastic sense of humor made every interaction a joy, and his advice and wisdom were sought after by many.
Pat had a love for new inventions. His inventive spirit was matched by his passion for restoring antique fans and flashlights, as well as creating new games. He also cherished his time spent with family, often seen relaxing and enjoying life around the backyard picnic table, where laughter and stories were often the highlight. He also loved attending his grandkids’ sporting events.
His love for football, Nascar, woodworking, airplanes, and trains depicted his hobbies and interests as well as his diverse passions and zest for life. Pat leaves behind a legacy of joy, creativity, and heartfelt connections. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him, and his memory will live on in the many lives he touched.
Pat leaves behind his wife, Lorna Thayer of the home in Stockton; children, Aaron (Lauren) Thayer of Prairie View, KS, Clayton (Ashley Fast) Thayer of Stockton, and Melissa (Andrew) Saaranen of Stockton; daughter-in-law, Kathleen (Anthony) Kuhlmann; brother, Kevin (Susan) Thayer of Stockton; sister, Jenny (Toby) Thayer-Wood of Auburn, KS; brothers-in-law, Richard Bretton of Salina and Alan (Pauline) Hahn of Salina; sisters-in-law, Clydene (Jr.) Widener of Stockton, Debbie Hahn of Stockton, and LeAnn (Jeff) Scott of Stockton; cousin and close friend, Ed Thayer of Stockton; 13 grandchildren, Xavier Kendall, Zach Young, Isaac Thayer, Vincent Thayer, Shelby Thayer, Breanna Fast, Caleigha Fast, Kaiden Fast, Addison Thayer, Jeremiah Thayer, Waylon Thayer, Hudson Saaranen and Benjamin Saaranen; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Austin and Imogene; and his son, Lewis Thayer.
A celebration of Pat’s life will be held from 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm Saturday, October 5, 2024 at Harding Hall-4-H building at the fairgrounds in Stockton.