Gayle Thrasher

Aaron “Gayle” Thrasher, 87, of Hopedale, passed away Thursday, May 7, 2026, at Hopedale Nursing Home.

He was born on December 7, 1938, in Albany, KY to Virgil Dale and Gleah Cohen Shipley Thrasher.  He married Audrey J. Springer on November 7, 1981, in Hopedale, and she survives.

Also surviving are one brother-in-law, Carl Steinrock of Louisville, KY; sister-in-law, Earlene Thrasher of Irvine, CA; sister-in-law Freeda Springer of Hopedale, and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Dale; two sisters, Allie Steinrock and Charlotte Pantoja, and one brother-in-law, Duane Springer.

Gayle served for 3 years in the United States Army and worked at Caterpillar Inc for 30 years as a machinist.

He attended Grace Presbyterian Church in Peoria for 38 years and was part of the Monday morning work crew. He was currently a member of Living Hope Community Church in Hopedale.

He enjoyed reading his Bible, especially the Old Testament and conducted an in-depth Bible study on the book of Revelation.

Gayle enjoyed motorcycling for 30 years, fishing, tennis, traveling, and spending winters in Arizona.

A graveside service will be at 10:00 am Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at Mennonite Cemetery in Hopedale, followed by a memorial service at 11:00 am at Living Hope Community Church in Hopedale.  Pastor Roger Springer will officiate. Visitation will be from 4:30 to 6:30 pm on Monday, also at the church. Davis-Oswald Funeral Home in Tremont is handling the arrangements.

Memorials may be made to Living Hope Community Church or Hands of Love Ministry in Washington.

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