Maj. Donald Lloyd Thacher

MAJ Donald Lloyd Thacher, (USAF) Ret., Age 81, passed away, in his home peacefully surrounded by family in Albuquerque New Mexico on March 13, 2015. Donald is survived by his wife of 56 years, Elaine Thacher; Daughters, Terri Husmer and husband ,Dean, from Albuquerque, NM and Donise Mitchell and husband, Clay, from Camden Point, MO; seven grandchildren, Jason (Amanda) Montoya from Norwalk, IA, Jennifer (Capt. James) Gutierrez from Minot, ND, Jacqueline (Brian) Brazil from Lawrence, KS, Brandon (Jess) Smith from Albuquerque, NM, Cody Robinson from Phoenix, AZ, Hannah Smith from Albuquerque, NM, and Aspen Mitchell from Camden Point, MO; four great-grandchildren, Trace Montoya from Norwalk, IA, Urijah Smith from Albuquerque, NM, Delaney Gutierrez from Minot, ND, and Jameson Smith from Albuquerque, NM; and two sisters, Naida Schaefer from Albuquerque, NM and Verna Fergeson from Manchester, IA. Donald was preceded in death by his parents, Floyd and Mildred Thacher; and his brother, Floyd Thacher, JR. Donald was born in 1933 in Manchester IA, the last of four children of Floyd and Mildred Thacher. He graduated from Manchester High School in 1951. Following high school Donald joined the Air Force and retired as a Major after 20 years of service. During his time in the Air Force he was set up on a blind date and after a promise of completing OCS married the love of his life, Elaine Abbas, in Lennox, SD. Following his career in the Air Force, Donald went on to pursue his bachelor's degree in economics at the University of New Mexico where he graduated with distinction in 1979. Donald and Elaine discovered hot air ballooning where they eventually went on to purchase their first balloon. Ballooning has guided them on many adventures making friends, memories, and traditions. Donald has also been a lifelong member and greeter at Hoffmantown Church. When Donald was not busy with church or ballooning he enjoyed coffee with friends, spending time with family, listening to music, and entertaining the world with his one of a kind humor. Friends may visit FRENCH - Wyoming Chapel on Monday, March 16, 2015 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Services will be held at Hoffmantown Church at 8888 Harper Dr. NE., on Tuesday, March 17, 2015, 2:30 p.m. Interment will take place at Santa Fe National Cemetery on Wednesday, March 18, 2015, 10:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers please send donations to the Eagles' Wings Youth Ranch, PO Box 465 Mountainair, NM 87036.