In honor of Jerry Thatcher Bath County educator

Students and staff at Bath County High School circled at the football field to honor their late teacher, mentor and friend Jerry Thatcher. Photo courtesy of Ron Weaver/Bath County Schools.

When I look high above the night sky, I realize that life is just a twinkling of light in a vast ocean of stars. Our own personal light may seem insignificant in that vast celestial ocean, but to others, our light may shine brighter than the rest.

I had to break the news to my 9-year old son that one of his favorite educators light darkened over this past weekend. I never had the honor of having Jerry Thatcher as a teacher or principal. My only personal connection was when my son was experiencing anxiety when he started school.

Mr. Thatcher took TJ into his office and spoke to him in a way to comfort that anxiety; each morning for some time, he made sure my son was transitioning and finally that fear left. Since then, TJ spoke highly of his principal, and when Mr. Thatcher changed schools and eventually retired this year, it was a bit hard for my son to realize the reality of constant change.

TJ always remembered Mr. Thatcher and his motorcycle, how he got to sit on it as a reward for making high grades. That’s the first thing TJ brought up when we told him of Mr. Thatcher’s passing, through a stream of tears.

No, I never had the pleasure of having Mr. Thatcher as an educator, but seeing the impact he made on countless pupils and alumni over his 33 years is astonishing. Social media was filled with memories of the man that everyone seemed to adore. We all have teachers we will never forget, good and bad. Jerry Thatcher was obviously a positive influence on anyone he came into contact with. He never forgot a child’s name; he was a fair and just leader by all accounts I’ve seen. In the eyes of my son, Mr. Thatcher definitely made a positive and lasting mark. His passing has affected many and will leave a hole in the heart of anyone who had the honor of knowing him.

Yes, that twinkling light has faded away into darkness. Time will heal those left hurting. Know that once upon a time, Jerry Thatcher’s light shined brighter than others around him and will continue in some essence to light the way for those he impacted.

~~~

Jerry Dean Thatcher, 60, of Morehead, educator, community leader, and beloved husband, father and grandfather, went to his heavenly home Friday, Sept. 2, 2016, following an accident on I-64 in Rowan County while returning to his residence after participating in a Patriot Guard Riders funeral service in Grayson.

Born Dec. 15, 1955, in West Union, Ohio, he was a son of the late Harry Blaine and Geneva Orianna Grooms Thatcher.

He is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Melanie Jean Hamilton Thatcher, whom he wed June 28, 1975; their beloved sons, Sean Eric Thatcher and wife Laura of Lexington and Seth Wesley Thatcher and wife Colby of Morehead; cherished twin grandchildren, Georgia Faye and David Samuel Thatcher; a sister, Leona “Jean” Thatcher Grisham of Vandalia, Ohio; a brother, Harry Blaine (Jr.) Thatcher Jr.; and special friend, Helen Richardson of New Lebanon, Ohio; as well as many caring nieces, nephews, and extended family. He also leaves behind numerous friends, co-workers, students and others from all walks of life that meant so much to him.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Norma Ruth Thatcher; and a brother-in-law, Donald Ray Grisham.

Funeral services were conducted Sept. 7, at Morehead First Church of God with the Rev. Allen Hutchinson and Rev. Bill Konstantopoulous officiating. Burial followed in Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens.

Masonic services were conducted by Bath County Masonic Lodge No. 55.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are suggested to Rowan County Christian Academy, 576 Sunset Lane, Morehead, Ky., 40351.

Northcutt & Son Home for Funerals was in charge of arrangements.