Arthur D. Thatcher, Jr. died on September 27, 2014, at the age of 82, from complications of a stroke that occurred on April 1, 2014.
Art was born January 4th, 1932 and was raised in San Francisco by his parents, Catherine and Arthur D. Thatcher, Sr.
In 1949 Art attended St. Ignatius High School, and upon graduation, enlisted in the US Marine Corps. After graduating Basic Training at San Diego, he was assigned to 1st Battalion, 7th Marines. He remained with them until the Korean Cease Fire, returning as a SSgt, before going into the Marine Reserves in San Diego.
Art received his BA degree from the University of San Francisco in 1963 and returned to active duty as Marine Detachment Executive Officer on the aircraft carrier USS Hancock (CVA-19). After his return to Camp Pendleton, he was a Rifle Company XO, and then Battalion Adjutant 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines. In 1963 Art received an honorable discharge from the US Marine Corps as a 1st Lt.
In 1963, he was accepted by the FBI and served as a criminal Special Agent in Baltimore, New York City, and Los Angeles. He retired at the age of 55, after 24 years of service in the FBI. He gained many friends from each of those offices, and stayed in touch often. Early on, he enjoyed listening to music, reading, and doing crossword puzzles. He was a member of the Society of Former Special Agents of the FBI and lived in Thousand Oaks, CA until his recent death. He is survived by his loving wife of 39 years, Ronita (Roni) Thatcher.
Art Thatcher was a true American hero, serving in the USMC for nearly 12 years including action in the Korean War, suffering for a time as a Prisoner of War and escaping and fighting his way back to his own lines. Then serving in the Federal Bureau of Investigation for another 24 years in postings across the country. Above all, he was a loyal Marine, a dedicated FBI Agent, a good husband, and a role model to his many friends. He will be missed.
Interment services for Art will be held at the Los Angeles National Cemetery at 950 S Sepulveda Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90024. A memorial of life celebration will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers Art's family requests that donations be made in his name to the Former Agents of the FBI Foundation, 3717 Fettler Park Dr., Dumfries, VA 22025-2048 - 703-445-0026.