Robert “Doc” Thatcher of Shepherdstown West Virginia died October 25, 2018 at age 79 from complications from a stroke, his beloved wife Gloria by his side.

He was a proud transplant to Shepherdstown, WV where, with his white beard, straw hat and suspenders, he cut a distinctive figure about town. Visitors to O’Hurley’s General Store would have seen him proudly sporting his bowler cap while offering a welcoming, “Top of the morning.”

Doc fell in love with trains as a boy and became an avid model rail roader. From 1996-2006 he owned Grandad’s Hobby Shop in Springfield, VA where it was “never too late to have a happy childhood.” Folks called it the best hobby shop ever. He was also an opera buff.

While he originally hailed from New Jersey, he headed to Virginia in 1960 to join the army as a computer programmer. A Renaissance man, he was also a Red Top cab driver and general services manager at a DC law firm.

Doc was happiest on Sunday mornings relaxing with his beautiful bride of nearly 37 years, laughing at Sunday comics and listening to stained glass bluegrass on NPR.
He is survived by his wife Gloria Thatcher; brother Ron Thatcher; daughter Lisa Susan Thatcher; step daughter Lisa Marie Eversburg and husband Rudy Eversburg; step son Rod Thatcher; grandchildren Mollie Eversburg and fiancé Devin Rynex, Steven Rosensteel, and Melonie, Michael, and Matthew Thatcher; and great-granddaughter Audrey Rynex. He leaves his family, plus the many who called him friend and neighbor, with special memories.

A celebration of life for this happy, kind and chivalrous man is planned for Saturday, November 17, 2018 at 5 pm at the Clarion Hotel & Conference Center, 233 Lowe Dr, Shepherdstown, WV 25443. In lieu of flowers, please donate to your favorite charity.

Arrangements by Brown Funeral Home

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