Leo Dale Thrasher, 87, quietly slipped from this life to the next in the early evening hours of Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2011, at Solterra Senior Living Center in Lakeside following a lengthy illness. The concluding service with military honors will take place on Friday, Oct. 14, at the San Joaquin National Cemetery in the San Joaquin Valley just outside of Andersen, Calif.
Leo was born on Nov. 11, 1924, in Longmont, Colo., to the late Robert Spurgeon and Ada Mae (Smith) Thrasher.
Following his high school graduation, Leo attended a few years of college until the break out of World War II. During the war, Leo served in the United States Navy and was serving in Japan when the Atomic Bomb was dropped. Following the war, Leo worked at Castle Air Force Base as a civilian supply inspector in Atwater, Calif. He then enlisted in the U.S. Air Force Reserves and served in the same capacity at the base. He loved his country and was proud to serve her borders in any way he possibly could.
During the height of World War II, Leo met and married Barbara Imelda Corgait. They had a beautiful marriage that lasted 53 years until her death on Feb. 14, 1997. Leo and Barbara loved to travel together and their destinations literally dot dozens of places on this planet, as their trips were extensive. They truly found great joy in each other’s company and loved to spend time together.
A few years following the death of his first wife, Barbara, Leo was lucky enough to find the second great love of his life. He met and married Emma LaVerne nee Ausmus on April 17, 1999. They most recently celebrated their 12th wedding anniversary together, and spent many happy moments as husband and wife. LaVerne truly was a special blessing from above as she helped him through countless acts of service during his final illness.
Following his honorable discharge from the U.S. Armed Forces, Leo began a successful 30-year career with AT&T. He started out as a lineman, but over the years he was promoted to a teletype repairman. He could accomplish just about any task assigned to him.
Leo was also a devout member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and over the years he was willing to serve his ward family in whatever capacity he could. Due to declining health he was not able to attend his church meetings, but always looked forward to visits from his ward family.
He was a man’s man and loved all things outdoors. He was an avid gun collector over the years, and at one time he had an incredible gun collection that would make just about any gun enthusiast jealous. Leo was known to reload his own ammunition and go out for a good target practice whenever time permitted.
He was a great dog lover and thoroughly enjoyed caring for his many dogs through the years. Also, whenever he was able, Leo would frequently take evening walks and enjoy the peaceful solitude he felt during those evening walks.
Leo was a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend. His presence will be missed by all who had the opportunity to know him. However, they do find a special peace and comfort that comes only from Him who giveth and Him who taketh away. They learned from his kind and gentle ways, and appreciated the example of goodness that he was to them.
Survivors include his wife, Emma LaVerne (Ausmus) Thrasher; his daughter, Deborah Sargent of Merced, Calif.; three grandchildren, Jayson Sargent of Merced, Josslyn Sargent of Sacramento, Calif., and Elizabeth Thrasher of Alaska; a brother, Dwight (Joyce) Thrasher of Show Low; a sister, Ella McCoulla of Hemet, Calif.; and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family members and friends.
Along with his parents, Robert and Ada Mae Thrasher, Leo was preceded in death by a son, Richard Thrasher; and two brothers, Harold Thrasher and Emmett Thrasher.
Owens Livingston Mortuary-White Mountain Chapel of Show Low was in charge of the arrangements.
