Mark Edward Thatcher, 71, of New Kent, VA passed peacefully at home on February 9, 2023. He was born December 22, 1951, the son of the late Edward and Harriett Thatcher of Elmira, New York.
Mark was the definition of a “Renaissance Man”. His interests stretched from history to animal husbandry and everything in between. It was a very rare evening when he was found without a book in his hands. After high school his adventures started when he hitchhiked from New York to Alaska where he worked as a fisherman. After a brief stint in college and a time as a taxi driver in NYC, Mark joined the US Navy as a gunner’s mate and the Maryland and South Carolina Army National Guard as an infantryman/mortarman sergeant, serving honorably. He loved helping both animals and people. After earning a degree in equine science, he managed cattle and horse farms all while serving as a volunteer fireman and EMT. After farming he worked as a corrections officer before finding his true calling with the New Kent Sheriff’s department where he served the people of New Kent from February 1994 to November 2011, ultimately retiring as a Detective Sergeant.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Sharon Thatcher; and daughter-in-law, Marsha Thatcher.
Mark is survived by his loving companion Joyce Radcliffe; two sons, Kevan Thatcher (Tracci) and Kyle Thatcher (Andy); three brothers Kevin, Edward (J.P.) and Bret Thatcher; four grandchildren Sean, Christina, Mark and Lori; two close cousins Michael and Bruce Thatcher, and numerous extended family and friends.
A memorial service is being planned for a future date, please check back for updates.
