Robert E. "Bob" Thrasher

Mr. Robert E. "Bob" Thrasher, 88, of Burlington died at 1:16 p.m. Saturday, December 1, 2012, at the Great River Hospice House in West Burlington. Born July 22, 1924 in Fort Madison, Iowa he was the son of Albert Merle and Mande Lenore Shauver Thrasher. On June 5, 1944 in Fort Madison he married JoAn L. Peterson. She preceded him in death March 9, 2012. He was a 1942 graduate of Fort Madison High School. Bob served his country in World War II, fighting in Okinawa as a Staff Sergeant in the 106th Infantry in the United States Army. During his three years, serving from 1943 until 1946, in the Army he received many honors, including the American Theater Ribbon, the Good Conduct Medal, the Victory Ribbon and the Asiatic Pacific Theatre Ribbon Bob worked in sales, before becoming owner of Merchants Wholesale Company in Burlington for over 30 years. He was a 50+ year Masonic member of the Grand Lodge of Iowa AF&AM. He was also a member of Kiwanis Club of Burlington, the Carthage Lake Club, Moose Lodge #579 of Burlington and was past president of the Iowa Association of Candy & Tobacco Distributors. He was an adult leader in Boy Scouts and was inducted into the Order of the Arrow...[more]

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In retirement, Bob enjoyed working at the Hy-Vee Deli. Survivors include one daughter, Barbara Jo (Gary) Hanlin of Woodstock, Illinois; one son, Scott Robert (Kristine) Thrasher of Columbia, Missouri; four grandchildren, John (Jessica) Hanlin and Sarah (Brett) Sarbaugh, both of Woodstock, Molly Thrasher and Robert "Bobby" Thrasher, both of Kansas City, Missouri; two great grandchildren, Logan Hanlin and Haley Jo Sarbaugh both of Woodstock; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, JoAn; two brothers; and one sister. Friends may call after 8:00 a.m. Wednesday, December 5th in Lunning Chapel with the family receiving friends from noon until 1:00 p.m. The funeral service for Bob will be 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 5th in Lunning Chapel with Rev. Michael Orthel officiating. Military rites will be conducted by the Burlington Area Veterans Honor Guard. Interment will be in Aspen Grove Cemetery. Memorials have been established for Great River Hospice and the Mississippi Valley Veterans Memorial.