Charles K. Thayer, 90, of Pembroke, a farmer all his life, died Wednesday (June 25, 2014) at United Memorial Medical Center.
Mr. Thayer was born in Perry Jan. 16, 1924. He was a son of Herman Thayer and Stella Safford Thayer Schiller and a stepson of Daniel Schiller. A graduate of Perry Central School, he worked in the Perry Knitting Mill and on various farms until 1959, when he bought his own dairy farm, Gra-Chuck Farm, in Pembroke. He also drove school bus for Pembroke Central School in the 1960s. He lived a simple life, and was known as a hard worker who took care of his family and farm. He had a great sense of humor and knew how to tell a good story. He also enjoyed woodworking.
He and his wife, Grace Snyder Thayer of Pembroke, celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary Feb. 9.
Mr. Thayer was the brother of the late Ellis and LaVerne Thayer and Edith Bathrick, and stepbrother of the late Perry Schiller.
Surviving in addition to his wife are four children, Sharon (late Kenneth) Larsen of Pembroke, Douglas (Shirley) Thayer of Watkins Glen, Daniel (Tracy) Thayer of Pembroke and Melody (Thomas) Gorman of Kirkville. Also surviving are 11 grandchildren, Jennifer (Thomas Thrane) Larsen Fuller of Schuylerville, Charles Larsen of Oakfield, Nicholas Thayer of Watkins Glen; Sarah, Danielle and Zoe Thayer, all of Pembroke; Cassandra, Patrick and Michael Gorman, all of Kirkville; Christine Gorman of East Syracuse; and Jennifer (John) Draper of Oakfield; and five great-grandchildren, Noel and Julian Thayer-Sunseri of Pembroke, Iliana and Camden Draper of Oakfield and Ryan Gardner of East Syracuse. A sister, Joan Nevinger of Florida, and many nieces and nephews also survive.
There are no calling hours. Services are private.
Memorials may be made to the American Lung Association, 55 W. Wacker Dr., Suite 1150, Chicago, IL 60601.
ARRANGEMENTS WERE ENTRUSTED TO THE J. LEONARD MCANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 2 BOGUE AVE., BATAVIA, NY 14020. RONALD KONIECZNY II, DIRECTOR & PROPRIETOR.
