Vernon Lee Thrasher

Vernon Lee Thrasher, 58, of Litchfield, passed away Sunday, February 23, 2025, at home with his family by his side. He was born February 10, 1967, in Denver, CO, a son of Linda Ann (Odle) Schwehr and Kenneth Lee Thrasher. Vernon married Kay Hamby in 1984, and they later divorced. He married the former Patti Brown at Litchfield Southern Baptist Church on June 8,1991, and they enjoyed nearly 34 years of marriage. She survives.

Vernon was known for his strong work ethic, always giving 110%. He always had a full-time job and usually had a side-job as well. Jobs he held included cooking at Maverick Steakhouse, a 22-year career at Echlin Manufacturing, and the City of Litchfield’s Street and Sewer Department. His last job, which he loved most of all, was with the Montgomery County Housing Department. Over his 10-year career with the housing department, he had the opportunity to teach his skills and knowledge to many of his coworkers. He was well-respected among his colleagues, and after illness forced his retirement, they continued to call him for expert advice.  

Vernon loved to flip houses, do woodworking, and proudly passed those skills, along with his strong work ethic to his children and grandchildren. Family and friends were important to him, and he enjoyed camping, spending time at their property, and having them over to his garage, where he was always working on something. He had many friends in many places. He was heavily involved in the Litchfield Eagles, Aerie 4499, where he served as a Trustee and the President for many years. The Eagles motto is “People Helping People”, and that is how he lived his life.

Vernon is survived by:

Wife, Patti

Mother and stepfather, Linda and Bob Schwehr of Litchfield

Father and stepmother, Kenneth and Shirley Thrasher of Shenandoah, IA

Children, Nathan Thrasher, Joshua (Morgan) Thrasher, Nicolle Thrasher, and “adopted daughter” Shelly (Brett) Jackson

Grandchildren, Hayden Parker, Chevy Thrasher, Nataleigh Jackson, Skylynn & Leham Thrasher, Lincoln Killam, and Kinleigh Jackson

Siblings, John (Nicole) Thrasher of Litchfield, Todd (Rachel) Schwehr of Ocala, FL, Sherry (Robert) Galvin of Shelbyville, and Bobby Schwehr of Litchfield

Preceding him in death were maternal grandparents Vernon and Vivian Odle.

Funeral services for Vernon will be held at 12 noon, Saturday, March 1, 2025, at Plummer Funeral Home in Litchfield. David and Cailey Nordheilm of Washington, IL, will officiate. Burial will be in Elm Lawn Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. until service time at the funeral home. The family respectfully asks that in lieu of flowers, memorials be directed to the Montgomery County Cancer Association, 106 Pinnacle Point Drive, Hillsboro, IL, 62049.

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