Douglas Donavon Thayer

Douglas Donavon Thayer, 85 of Boyne City, Michigan, passed away on April 18, 2025, at Munson Medical Center in Traverse City, Michigan.

Son of Howard D. and Leona M. (Nelson) Thayer, Douglas was born on July 27, 1939, in Boyne City, Michigan and was the youngest child out of twelve. He grew up in Boyne City and graduated from Boyne City High School in 1957.

On June 21, 1958, he married Marilyn Ann Robinson in Boyne City.

Douglas was a bricklayer by trade, a farmer by choice, and a proud father of his girls.

His heart was in farming. He loved his Polled Hereford cattle, gardening, and enjoying his family.

He was the 4-H livestock leader for many years. Douglas also sat on the board of review for Evangeline Township and was a member of the Polled Hereford Association and Union Bricklayers.

Dad you were Mom’s world. Our hero, always giving sound advice. You led by example of how life was to be lived and be a giver of what you had to family, friends, and neighbors. All major decisions were made in the barn where friends could always find you. Because of you we have a big love for family, insane work ethic, and love of the land and all it gives back. We are all better people because of you. Forever in our hearts with God.

Douglas is survived by his three daughters: Kay (Charlie) Shelton, Tammy (Scott) Fettig, Heather (Scott) Heckman; grandchildren: Erika (Mike) Lewis, Douglas Fettig, Kortney (fiancé Michael Merrill) Heckman, Nicole (Keaton Walker) Heckman, Missie (Shawn) Ousley, and Brian (Amanda) Shelton; great-grandchildren: Keenan, Emma, Olivia, Elijah, Elle, Emilea, Everleigh, Gabe Lewis, and Megan Lewis; great-great-grandchildren: Henleigh, Madi, Gehrig, and Eden; brother Charlie Thayer; sisters-in-law Sonia Burns, and Mary Thayer; brother-in-law Hudson (Patricia) Robinson; special nephews Woody (Penny) Hardy, Tom Thayer, and Lindsey Thayer; special friends: Dale May, Farmer Tom Pustell, Sally Swanson, Patrick (Savannah) Hrenko and family, and Russell Richards; and many special nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his beloved wife Marilyn Robinson Thayer; parents Howard D.  and Leona M. Thayer; in-laws Hudson and Loraine Robinson; siblings: Bill (Esme) Thayer; Charlotte White, Lois (Dick) Langtry, Jane (Leroy) Allen, Audrey (Art) Scott, Robert Thayer, Irv (Onalee) Thayer, Phyllis (Elwood) Hardy, Richard Thayer, Pat (Chuck) Snedeker; sister-in-law Carolyn Thayer; and brother-in-law James Burns.

Those wishing to make a charitable donation in Douglas’ memory are asked to consider the American Heart Association or Emmet Charlevoix Market Livestock Scholarship Fund.

A visitation will be held at Stackus Funeral Home on April 30, 2025 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM. A funeral officiated by Bill Thompson will be at Stackus Funeral Home on May 1, 2025, at 11:00 AM, and visitation will begin at 9:30 AM. A graveside service will immediately follow the funeral at Evangeline Township Cemetery.

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