Leo Dale Thrasher

Leo Dale Thrasher quietly slipped from this life to the next in the early evening hours of Tuesday, October 4, 2011 at Solterra Senior Living Center in Lakeside following a lengthy illness. He was 87 years old. Leo was born on November 11, 1924 in Longmont, Lyons County, Colorado to the late Robert Spurgeon and Ada Mae (Smith) Thrasher. Following his high school graduation, Leo attended a few years of college until the break out of World War II. During the war, Leo served in the United States Navy and was serving in Japan when the Atomic Bomb was dropped. Following the war, Leo worked at Castle Air Force Base as a Civilian Supply Inspector in Atwater, California. He then enlisted in the United States Air Force Reserves and served in the same capacity at the base. He loved his country and was proud to serve her borders in any way he possibly could. During the height of World War II, Leo met and married Barbara Imelda Corgait. They had a beautiful marriage that lasted 53 years until her death on February 14, in 1997. Leo and Barbara loved to travel together and their destinations literally dot dozens of places on this planet as their trips were extensive. They truly found great joy in each others company and loved to spend time together. A few years following the death of his first wife, Barbara, Leo was lucky enough to find the second great love of his life. He met and married Emma LaVerne nee Ausmus on April 17, 1999. They most recently celebrated their 12th wedding anniversary together and spent many happy moments as husband and wife. LaVerne truly was a special blessing from above as she helped him through countless acts of service during his final illness. Following his honorable discharge from the U.S. Armed Forces, Leo began a long and successful 30 year career with AT&T. He started out as a lineman but over the years he was promoted to a teletype repairman. He could accomplish just about any task assigned to him. Leo was also a devout member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and over the years he was willing to serve his ward family in whatever capacity he could. Due to declining health he was not able to attend his Church meetings but always looked forward to visits from his ward family. Leo was a man's man and loved all things outdoors. He was an avid gun collector over the years, and at one time he had an incredible gun collection that would make just about any gun enthusiast jealous. Leo was known to reload his own ammunitions and go out for a good target practice whenever time permitted. Leo was a great dog lover and thoroughly enjoyed caring for his many dogs through the years. Also, whenever he was able, Leo would frequently take evening walks and enjoy the peaceful solitude he felt during those evening walks. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend. His presence will be missed by all whomever had the opportunity to know him. However they do find a special peace and comfort that comes only from Him who giveth and Him who taketh away. The learned from his kind and gentle ways and appreciated the example of goodness that he was to them. Leo is survived by his wife, Emma LaVerne (Ausmus) Thrasher; daughter, Deborah Sargent of Merced, California; 3 grandchildren: Jayson Sargent of Merced, California, Josslyn Sargent of Sacramento, California and Elizabeth Thrasher of Alaska; brother, Dwight (Joyce) Thrasher of Show Low, Arizona; sister, Ella McCoulla of Hemet, California as well as numerous nieces, nephews and extended family members and friends. Along with his parents, Robert and Ada Mae Thrasher, Leo was preceded in death by a son, Richard Thrasher; and 2 brothers: Harold Thrasher and Emmett Thrasher. A public visitation and viewing will be from 3:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M., on Sunday, October 9, 2011 at Owens Livingston Mortuary - White Mountain Chapel, 320 N. 9th Street in Show Low, Arizona. The concluding service with military honors will take place on Friday, October 14, 2011 at the San Joaquin National Cemetery in the San Joaquin Valley just outside of Andersen, California.