Edward E. 'Ed' Thayer, age 80 years, passed away at the Hospice House of Reno County in Hutchinson, surrounded by family and friends on December 25, 2017. Ed was born on January 9, 1937, in Hutchinson, to Clarence and Helen (Breidenstein) Thayer.

He was raised on the family farm and graduated from Arlington High School in 1954. Serving two years in Korea, Ed was active in the United States Army for eight years.

On April 12, 1963, Ed married Patricia Ann Tope of Arlington, where they resided on the family farm west of Arlington and raised their family.
Well known throughout the community as a loving husband and father, friend, farmer, mechanic, and active conservationist, Ed served on the Reno County FSA Board and at the Reno County Conservation Office, while remaining an active farmer throughout his life. Ed volunteered much of his time to the VA by transporting veterans to Wichita. He volunteered for the Senior Sheriff's Patrol and the United Methodist Church of Arlington. Ed is remembered as a servant of the public and his community.

Ed is survived by: his wife, Pat of the home; daughters, Susan Brown and Tina Wohler; sons-in-law, Ken Brown and Jaret Wohler; six grandchildren Lauren, Morgan, McKenzie, Madison, Julia, and Zac; and great-grandchildren, Peyton and Isabel. All reside in the city of Sterling.
He was preceded in death by: son, Michael Edward; his parents; and a brother, C.T.

Graveside service will be 9:45 a.m. Friday, December 29, 2017, at the Arlington Cemetery. Memorial service will follow at 10:30 a.m. at the Arlington United Methodist Church, 117 S. Lincoln, Arlington, with Pastor Harry Cross officiating. Friends may sign the book from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday at Elliott Mortuary.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Hospice and HomeCare of Reno County, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.