Jack Kenneth Thayer

Jack Kenneth Thayer, 84, of Valley View, passed into the arms of Jesus on Wednesday, August 30, 2023, surrounded by loved ones who will continue to honor his legacy and live life to the fullest placing family, friends, and Christ at the forefront, as he has always done.

Jack was born in Okmulgee, Oklahoma on October 19, 1938 and grew up in Quinton, Oklahoma.  He was a star athlete in his small town and played every sport. He loved being outdoors and had a horse named Bucket.  He was a natural leader with a winning personality.  He learned the importance of a strong work ethic, hard work, and resilience from his parents.  These lessons took him far in life and were also passed down to his children and grandchildren.

Jack was an educator who cared deeply for the thousands of children in his care.  He taught school in Oklahoma, New Mexico, and Texas.  He was the principal of South Euless Elementary for over two decades.  He ascended to the role of Assistant Superintendent for the Hurst-Euless-Bedford ISD in charge of elementary schools where he developed noteworthy programs such as the S.O.S. program for struggling students.

Together with his wife Anita they shared an affinity for raising cattle.  They purchased land in Valley View in 1985 on which they built a home in 1991 and commuted until retirement in 1993. With this passion they founded A&J Angus and raised hundreds of registered Black Angus cattle. Over the course of the years, they hosted several registered Black Angus auctions as well as being co-founders in the development of the Red River Angus Association.  They were huge supporters of both the Valley View and the Era school’s FFA departments and donated numerous calves to students to raise and show in competition.

Jack was a member of the Valley View Methodist Church and was an active member of the choir in addition to being an active participant in nearly every facet of the Church.  He was a co-founder of the “Keep Valley View Beautiful” program and was an active member of the Valley View Chamber of Commerce for many years.  He showcased his acting talents by participating with the Mellow Drummers’ productions at the Mountain Springs Community Center for several years.

Nothing thrilled Jack as much as being surrounded by family.  Whether it was working cows, riding in the gator to explore his land, eating his favorite Thanksgiving stuffing and blackberry cobbler with a table full of smiling faces, or meeting for a meal at Babe’s Chicken Dinner House, he was thrilled to be there and shared how blessed he felt at every turn.  Jack loved life and the people that filled it.  He was John Wayne, only better, because he was ours.

Jack is survived by his wife of over 45 years, Anita.  He was a proud father to his son, Mark Thayer (Dee) of Graham, Texas, his daughters, Karen Black of Clarksville, Texas, and Teri Gaston (Tim) of Monroe, New Hampshire; and stepdaughter, Rene’ Gaston (Andy) of Kentucky.  His greatest pride was his grandchildren:  Jacob (Raegan), Trevor (Kelly), Kirstin (Kyle), Joshua, Tyler, Britain, and Tanner; his great grandchildren, Rex, Wade, and Chloe.  He is predeceased in death by his parents, Lona and Chester “Mack” Thayer and brother, Raymond Thayer.

It was very evident that Jack’s intent for life was to share his passion for the most precious things to him – church, family, education and Black Angus cattle.

The family would like to give special thanks to Home Hospice of Cooke County and to Comfort Givers Home Care for their loving and considerate care during the last few weeks.

Visitation will be held at Geo. J. Carroll & Son Funeral Home in Gainesville, TX on Monday, September 4th from 6:00 to 7:30pm.   Graveside services will be held at the Valley View Cemetery in Valley View, TX on Tuesday, September 5th at 10:00am.  Jack asked that there be no suits or ties worn.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to Home Hospice of Cooke County, 316 S. Chestnut, Gainesville, TX or St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.