Chad Michael Thacker

Chad Michael Thacker, 47, a lifelong resident of Sorento, Illinois, passed away November 2, 2024, at his residence. Known to many as the man who could “fix anything,” he was a creative, giving, and endlessly caring soul who lived his life devoted to helping others. If there was ever a friend or neighbor in need, he was the first to show up, tools in hand and ready to help.

Born June 28, 1977, in Hillsboro, Illinois, to Dennis and Donna (Holt) Thacker, Chad grew up and lived his life in Bond County, where he attended Greenville and Sorento Schools in his youth. He went on to obtain his GED and proceeded to build a life rooted deeply in his community. On June 11, 2005, he married Stacy O’Brian (Knight), and together they raised three children. She survives.

Chad had a gift with his hands and an uncanny ability to solve almost any mechanical problem. Whether it was a lawnmower, a broken-down engine, or a neighbor’s need, he could be counted on to devise a fix. Friends and family would often call him the “regular MacGyver type of guy”. His ingenuity was truly extraordinary, extending to his talent with chainsaw carving. With the ease of a master, he would transform blocks of wood into intricate designs, wielding his chainsaw as if it were an extension of his own arm. He spent his career working with Lufkin Environmental Services and IBEW Local 309 of Collinsville, as a skilled tree trimmer —a role he embraced despite his fear of heights. For Chad, every tree was a puzzle and an opportunity to connect with nature, a love he held close throughout his life.

In his free time, Chad found joy in the simpler things: mushroom hunting in the spring, identifying plants, trees, and insects, or tinkering with old motors. He was a nature enthusiast at heart and loved sharing his knowledge of the outdoors with his family. He listened to 90s alternative and grunge rock, the tunes of which often filled the workshop where he spent so many hours crafting and fixing. Always with a tobacco pipe in hand, he even carved pipes as keepsakes for his sons. But perhaps his greatest joy came from his role as “Pappaw” to his grandchildren. He built them go-karts, zip lines, and even playhouses, inspiring their young imaginations and creating memories they will treasure forever. To his family and friends, he was a steady hand, a mentor, and an irreplaceable spirit.

Preceding him in death are his father, Dennis Thacker; grandparents, Dolores & Kenneth Turner; great-grandparents, Harold Thacker and Granny Bone; aunt, Nancy Clark and uncle, Floyd Thacker.

Chad is survived by his wife, Stacy of Sorento; mother, Donna Thacker of Pocahontas; grandmother, Sally Spensberger of Panama; children, Raymond (Shelby) O’Brian of Pocahontas, Dylan (Chelsey Shutt) O’Brian of Mt. Olive, and Faith (Alec Finley) O’Brian of Effingham; grandchildren, Raymond O’Brian, Maya Finley, and Sage O’Brian; brother, Dennis Thacker of Centralia; aunt, Alice Oliver; uncles, Dave Thacker and Kenny Clark; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He leaves behind a legacy of kindness, strength, and ingenuity that will be missed by all who knew him.

A visitation will be held for 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Thursday, November 7, 2024, at Perfetti-Assalley Funeral Home, 117 Walnut Street, Panama, Illinois 62077.

The family has chosen cremation, in accordance with his wishes.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to: The grandchildren of Chad Thacker, 118 E. College Avenue, Greenville, Illinois 62246.