Mr. Cloyce Lavern Thrasher, of Warrenton, passed away on Sunday, October 1, at his home. He was born on November 23, 1938, in White Oak, AR, to the late Zephra and Maggie (nee: Reynolds) Thrasher. Cloyce had reached the age of 84 years.
Cloyce was raised on a cotton farm and worked as a cotton picker in Rector, AR for many years. He met the love of his life, Brenda Burnett and was united in marriage on July 11, 1959, in Jennings. This union was blessed with three daughters, Theresa, Colleen, and Marsha. Prior to moving to Warrenton, the family lived in O’Fallon. At that time, he worked for McDonnell-Douglas on the Project Gemini Space Shuttle while owning a drive-in and restaurant. He was an active member of the O’Fallon Jaycee Chapter. During that time Cloyce earned the highest honor which can be bestowed upon a member called the JCI Senator. When the family moved to Warrenton Cloyce was instrumental in getting the Warrenton Jaycees established and was a founding member. The age limit at that time for the Jaycees was 36, so that was when Cloyce joined the Lion’s Club of Warrenton and became active with them. He held several offices and chairmen positions. Cloyce was responsible for starting the fundraising project of the BBQ Chickens on the Kroger corner parking lot and he also ran the Christmas Tree Project for many years. He was also a member of the Mason’s Lodge of Warrenton and the Warrenton Elks 2662. Cloyce was a local insurance agent for 40-plus years in Warrenton. As a resident of Warrenton for 50-plus years, he made many lifelong friends in the community. Also, being a father of all girls, he coached girls’ softball through the Khoury League for many years. Cloyce was an avid sports fan and played golf and bowled on leagues in town. He also loved the St. Louis Cardinals Baseball and Rams Football, though his passion was watching college and high school basketball. He was a member of the College United Methodist Church. As of lately, he enjoyed spending his time sitting on his front porch, smoking his cigar, watching the birds and neighbors, and visiting with whomever would stop by. Cloyce was an outstanding man, a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He had a wonderful sense of humor and a huge heart.
Cloyce Thrasher was preceded in death by his parents, Zephra and Maggie; his siblings, Gurayne Thrasher, Loretta Caldwell (Bill), and Glenda Blackburn (Charles); great-grandson, Logan Hayes. He is survived by his loving wife, Brenda; three daughters, Theresa Elliott (Pat O'Neal), Colleen Bozada (John), Marsha Ehlers (Tim); seven grandchildren, David Elliott, Sarah Foreman (CJ), Joshua Bozada, Kayla Bozada, Maria Bozada, Ryan Bozada, Cameron Ehlers; two great-grandchildren, Lily Hayes and Lukas Foreman; one brother, Charles Robert Thrasher (Joy); aunt, EvaBelle Thrasher; several nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and many close family friends.
Cloyce Thrasher's family will be hosting a Celebration of his Life, on Thursday, October 5, at Martin Funeral Home, 10 A.M. - 1 P.M. They will then celebrate his life with a service beginning at 1 P.M. The family is requesting memorial donations, made in honor of Cloyce to be given to Missouri Lions Club Eye Bank c/o Martin Funeral Home.
