Hobart Leroy Thacker, "Hoby" died at 95, on December 22, 2018 in Longview. He was born on October 30, 1923 in Chandler, Oklahoma to Garrett and Fannie (Leffler) Thacker.

He graduated from Barnsdall, Okla. High School in 1942 and attended Community College before joining the US Navy in 1943.

He met Clara Doane in Anacortes, WA while serving in the Navy there and they married in December 1944. After his discharge in 1946, they lived in various places before settling in Skamokawa in 1951.

He had worked in a grocery store before joining the Navy so found work as a grocer in Cathlamet, then Skamokawa for Jimmy Silverman. He later bought the business from him and moved his insurance business, Hoby Thacker Agency, to Hoby's Store. He was well loved and enjoyed 25 years of serving the community. He retired in the early 80's but continued his insurance business at home for a while.

He had a love of the river and shared that with his three boys. He owned an old gill net boat and had a log patrol license, spending countless hours on the water fishing, moving stray logs and getting wood. He and son, Stan, had a sawmill and enjoyed making lumber. He also loved his barn/shop, building and creating.

He and Clara enjoyed trips with their travel trailer until she preceded him in 2002. In 2003 Hoby married Pat Cass and they enjoyed the grand and great grandchildren together as he continued his hobbies. In 2017 Hoby was preceded by his wife, Pat and son, Stan. He lost his infant daughter and grandson, Wes Thacker in 1995 and four sisters.

He is survived by two sons, Pat Thacker and wife Carol, Mike Thacker and a daughter, Linda Gollersrud and husband, Leon and daughter-in-law, Becky Thacker; brother Jim Thacker and sister-in-law Joanne Marson. Hoby also leaves behind nine beloved grandchildren and five great grandchildren and one to arrive soon, and several nieces and nephews.

The Thacker family also wish to express gratitude for the Cedar Gardens staff who made Hoby part of their family. A celebration of Hoby's life was held January 5, 2019 in Skamokawa. Private interment was at Fernhill Cemetery in Skamokawa. Those who wish may donate in Hoby's name to United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 205, Skamokawa, WA 98647.

Dowling Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

- Paid Obituary -