Jay Thyer

May 8, 2019 - 11:04 AM

Edwin Jay Thyer went to be with His Lord on Sunday, May 5, 2019. Jay was born Jan. 14, 1938, in rural Toronto. He was the son of Edwin Joseph Thyer and Leona Rogers Thyer.

Jay grew up on a farm in rural Blue Mound. After graduation from Blue Mound High School, he trained as a telegrapher for the Frisco Railroad. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy and went to radio school and served over three years aboard the USS Montrose as a radio operator. During his time in the Navy, Jay accepted Christ as Lord of his life.

After his return to the states, he married Sharon Whitcomb Thyer on June 11, 1961. Jay worked for the Iola Police Department for 31 years, serving as chief for five years. After retiring, he worked for Midland/Haldex Brake for seven years. Then, he worked for over four years for the Allen County Sheriffs Department as a corrections/transport officer.

Jay was preceded in death by his half-sister, Kathryn Sims; brother, Bob Thyer; sister, Wilma Spartz; and step-grandson, Timothy Charboneau.

Jay is survived by his wife, Sharon, of nearly 58 years and his three children, Tim (wife Jami) of Iola, Jayna (husband Cordell Benton) of Olathe, and Jennifer (husband U.S. Air Force Lt. Col Mark Chagaris) of Frederica, Del. His grandchildren are Matt (Jacie), Anna, and Shayden Thyer, of Iola, Jake and Josh Benton of Raleigh, N.C., and Lahna, Kylie, and Jay Chagaris of Frederica, Del. He is also survived by his sister, Mary Smith, of Eudora, two great-grandchildren,Trenton and Brentley Thyer of Iola, and many nieces and nephews. His honorary grandchildren are Pauline and Bill Davis and children, Ray and Kari Hale and children, Brandi and Timmy Vest, and Micol and Titan Dixon.

Visitation is from 6 to 8 p.m., Thursday in The Venue at Feuerborn Family Funeral Service, 1883 US Highway 54, Iola. A funeral service honoring Jays life and his community service will be at 1 p.m. on Friday in the Feuerborn Family Funeral Service Chapel, Iola. Burial with military honors will follow in the Sunny Slope Cemetery, Blue Mound.

Memorials may be made to Fellowship Regional Church or the Bible Fellowship Church, and may be left with Feuerborn Family Funeral Service, Iola.

Condolences for the family may be left at www.feuerbornfuneral.com.