Dalton Lee Thacker, 15, of Hardin, died unexpectedly Thursday, May 14, 2020, at his home.

Dalton was born on Aug. 27, 2004, in North Kansas City, the son of Kirk David and Lisa Kay (Taylor) Thacker.

Survivors include his parents, of the home; sister, Carly Thacker, of the home; maternal grandparents, Richard and Linda Taylor of Blue Springs; three aunts, Elaine Carter of Richmond, Christy (Craig) Bruning of Blue Springs and Amy (Chris) Servi of Oak Grove; cousins, Jimmy Carter, Rhyan William Carter, Cooper Bruning, Cadee Bruning, Conner Bruning, Blake Servi, and Reece Servi; and all his friends and classmates.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Melvin Lee and Kathleen (Nolker) Thacker.

Dalton was always smiling, cracking jokes, playing video games or working out with his father. He was always quite an athlete, which he did not have much of a choice, since his father was always his coach. Dalton participated in football, basketball and track; he already made second team all-conference in basketball. Dalton was a brilliant young man who had a 4.0 grade point average and dreamed of becoming an engineer. He was active at his school, Hardin-Central, where he was a member of the Rotary Interact Club, Hardin Drama Club, the quiz bowl team, president of the freshman class, and a member of FFA, where he enjoyed trap shooting. Dalton’s goals were to play college football and study to be an engineer. He was of the Christian faith and was a member of the Hardin Baptist Church, where he participated in the youth group there. He also enjoyed hunting and fishing; he especially liked mushroom hunting.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the family’s choice. They can be left at or mailed to Thurman Funeral Home, 507 E. Main St.-P.O. Box 190, Richmond, MO 64085.

Visitation with memorial services were held Tuesday, May 19, 2020, with visitation beginning at 4 p.m., and services following at 6 p.m. at the Hardin-Central football field. The Rev. Chris Cox officiated. Private family inurnment occurred at Dockery Cemetery. Honorary pallbearers: J.W. Doyle, Mason McCaulley, Mason Freece, Kelton Gordon, Ben Barnett, Brayden Schick, Kobe Gibson, Jaxon Miller and Zavier Toler. Ceremonies entrusted to Thurman Funeral Home, Richmond. Please remember to share your memories of Dalton with the family by visiting www.thurmanfuneralhome.com.