Arthur Ray Thackery
April 15, 1948 ~ September 7, 2020
Arthur Ray Thackery, 72, of Wichita, KS, died unexpectedly, Monday afternoon, September 7, 2020, at his residence. Ray was born on April 15, 1948 in Wichita, KS and was the son of Robert and Rita (McKenzie) Thackery. He was a member of the inaugural graduating class of Bishop Carroll High School, graduated from Wichita State University with a Bachelors in Food Science and later obtained his Masters in Cereal Chemistry from Kansas State University. He worked as a Food Technologist for 30 years at The Kellogg Company in Battle Creek, MI. He was a long-time member of St. Ann Catholic Church in Augusta, MI and most recently a member of St. Anthony Parish in Wichita, KS.
Ray enjoyed traveling, reading, musicals, and was an avid Kansas State football fan. His true passion in life though, was his family, especially his grandkids.
On August 14, 1970, in Wichita, KS, Ray was united in marriage to Jenifer (Baldridge) Thackery and they moved to Kalamazoo area in 1981. His wife, Jenifer, passed away in 2010.
Survived by his sons, Adam (Jennifer Chapman) Thackery of Morristown, NJ, Eric (Cori Schaufelberger) Thackery of Mason, MI; daughter Amy (Dr. Steffen) Genthe of Grand Rapids, MI; sisters, Ruth "Tootsie" Anne (Larry) Broehl, Rhonda (Larry) Sherrod, Regina Blogref; brothers, Robert (Rita) Thackery, Ronald (Diane) Thackery, Randy (Kristie) Thackery, Roy (Becky) Thackery; grandsons, Max, Mark, Collin; granddaughters, Juliette, Claire, Aubrey, Millie.
Services will be Friday, September 11, 2020, at St. Anthony Catholic Church, Wichita, KS. Rosary will be at 10:45 am, followed by the Funeral Mass at 11:00 am.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ray’s name to Gilda’s Club, 1806 Bridge St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504. Downing & Lahey Mortuary - West Chapel.
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Very sad to hear of Ray’s passing. I was a fellow Wildcat that worked at Kellogg’s for many years with Ray. He was a great person to work with – so smart, yet humble. He mentored in many ways and I appreciated the teaching moments he had with me . We spent more than a few days working together in some of our manufacturing plants. He was also as true a Wildcat fan as I have met – he made the 750+ mile trip (each way) to football games for many years! My deepest condolences to the family. Regards, Phil Ham Battle Creek, Mi
So sorry for your loss.
The world is a little bit darker today as we hear of Ray’s passing, he was a genuine light. Peace be with you Ray! Peace be with the family. I will always remember Ray’s mentoring and patience, such a treasure to the entire Kellogg team.
I am so saddened to hear of the loss of my friend Ray! We go back to highschool! He adored his children and was such a sweet one! He will be missed!
Prayers for Ray and the entire Thackery family.
I’ve known Ray and the Thackery family for a long time, having gone to St. Joseph Grade school. Ray was a year old than me, and he married a very dear high school friend, Jenifer (with ONE n). Most recently, Ray and I reconnected via Facebook and shared similar views on things going on in the world. I had so hoped to have more time to continue our conversations. My condolences to Ruth (close in age to me) and all of the members for the Thackery families. May good memories sustain you, as they will me.
Ray was quite the basketball player in his younger days.we played at Josephs grade school and the CYO team. Did you know that Ray made the Cyo all star team his senior year and they traveled to Kansas city to play the KC all stars.I think they won. If masks are required at the service i will not be able to attend. I will keep Ray in my prayers my condolences to the family. if there is no mask requirement please let me know .Larry Carney
Hello – I worked with Ray at Kellogg’s on our beloved Cheez-its and credit him with color and flavor improvements at our bakeries in the early 2000’s before he retired. I fondly remember his practical advice as an experienced food manufacturing expert, and how he smiled through the joys and challenges of life and work. You all can be very proud of the positive impact he had on people in our R&D Organization as a well-known “Kansas State Wildcat.” Our prayers and thoughts are with you, as you celebrate his life as a family this weekend.
A great guy cousin friend. He worked a lot. He helped Pizza Hut refine pizza when working there probably why they still are as is Kellogg’s.
Ray was the first to leave Hoseney’s lab. We kept in touch through the years. Such a special friend. I will miss him dearly. Debi Rogers, Ph.D. Manhattan
Heaven is a little brighter today as we hear of Ray’s passing. I really enjoyed worked with Ray at Kellogg’s! He was truly a genuine light in a very challenging environment. Peace be with you Ray! Peace be with the family. Like Julie, I will always remember Ray’s mentoring and patience, such a treasure to the entire Kellogg team.