Rufus Wayne Thacker, 76, of Mena, Arkansas, died January 5, 2021 in Hot Springs, Arkansas. He was born to the late Lester and Allene Thacker on February 25, 1944 in Mena, Arkansas.
Rufus loved to tell stories. He relived many pipeline jobs through his storytelling. He was a hard worker and never backed down from a challenge. When he was home from “work” he was always outside working on his place or in his shop. He was a dedicated employee at Century Inspection for 55 years where he worked as an x ray technician and supervisor.
He is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Dovie Thacker; children, Diane and Charles Billings of Chetopa, Kansas, Becky, and Abe Austin of McCarney, Texas, Debbie and Tony Youmans of Hatfield, Arkansas, Marty and Shiela Thacker of LaPorte, Indiana and Ron and Tonya Thacker of Mena, Arkansas; twelve grandchildren; seventeen great grandchildren.
Rufus is preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Bobby Thacker, Odell Thacker and Leroy Thacker; sister, Laverne Thompkins; infant sister, Zelda.
Pallbearers will be Rocky Billings, Ray Billings, Randy Beaty, Travis Youmans, Dallas Thacker and Ty Thacker.
Services will be held Friday, January 8, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. in the Beasley Wood Chapel with Brother Donnie Jewell officiating.
Interment will follow at Foster Cemetery under the direction of the Beasley Wood Funeral Home.
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