Darrell Thrasher passed away on Wednesday, February 3, 2021, at the
Wilson Care and Rehabilitation Center in Wilson, KS, at the age of 84.
Darrell was born to Jean and Dorothy (McGee) Thrasher in Hutchinson, KS
on March 6, 1936. On February 2, 1969, Darrell was united in marriage to
Jeannie (Meador) Thrasher, and to this union Shawn, Pat, and Jennifer
were born.
Darrell was raised primarily in Arlington, KS. He graduated from
Arlington High School with the Class of 1954. He continued his education
at Hutchinson Community College for 2 years, then attended Emporia
State Teachers College where he obtained his teaching certificate and a
Master’s Degree. In 1958 he began his teaching career in Wilson. In
1973 his family moved to Harper, KS where he taught Jr. High Math for 4
years. He then moved back to Wilson where he taught any and all classes
and coached multiple sports. He retired in 1998 from teaching but
decided to work part-time at the school until his official retirement in
2012. In 1991, he took the job of City Municipal Judge in Wilson,
serving almost 29 years and having to retire in 2020. Outside of his
passion for teaching, he enjoyed fishing and camping at the lake with
his family and friends, he enjoyed nature, taking care of his plants,
and painting houses in the summertime. Darrell enjoyed animals too,
especially his dog Sammi. Darrell belonged to the United Methodist
Church and was a part of the Wilson and Ellsworth Masons for many years
as well as the Wilson Lions Club.
As Martin Luther King, Jr. said, “The function of education is to
teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence
plus character – that is the goal of true education.” Mr. Thrasher left a
permanent mark on his students and athletes with his kindness,
patience, and guidance.
He is survived by his wife, Jeannie Thrasher of the home; children,
Shawn (Scott Farthing) Thrasher of Anaheim, CA, Pat Thrasher of Wilson,
KS, and Jennifer (Bruce) Thomas of Silver Lake, KS; brothers, Don
Thrasher of Jetmore, KS, Dean (Becky) Thrasher of St. John, KS, and
David (Ruth) Thrasher of Inman, KS; five grandchildren, McKenzie
(Hunter) Ingham, Kami Thrasher, Taegan Thrasher, Kaiden Thomas, and
Tyler Thomas; and one great-grandchild, Granger Ingham with another on
the way. Many nieces and nephews and cousins.
Darrell is preceded in death by his parents, Jean and Dorothy Thrasher and sister-in-law, Dorothy Thrasher.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, February 9, 2021, at the Wilson
High School Gymnasium from 4PM until 8PM. Private family services will
be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorials have been suggested to the Wilson
Booster Club or the Wilson Senior Center and may be sent in care of
Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home, PO BOX 533, Wilson, KS 67490.