Robert H. Thayer of Caro, age 82, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, March 12, 2014. Bob was born September 16, 1931 in Boyne City, the son of the late Howard Donahue & Leona Mae (Nelson) Thayer, and was a graduate of Boyne City High School in 1949. Following graduation, he was drafted to the U.S. Army and served in Korea and Japan during the Korean Conflict. Upon his return from service, Bob began an apprenticeship in masonry, and earned his journeyman certification while working in Flint. He was united in marriage with the former Mary Goodall on December 3, 1955 in Flushing, and she survives him. In 1971, Bob and Mary moved to Caro where he would begin a twenty-five year career with Henry Jaster Construction as a mason. He was a longtime member of the Caro United Methodist Church before joining the Bethel United Methodist Church fifteen years ago. He was also a member of the Fairgrove VFW Post #7486. Bob’s life was centered around his family and helping others. He was a natural conversationalist and a good neighbor. His spare time was most often spent with his grandkids and he loved watching their sporting events. Bob is survived by his wife of fifty-eight years, Mary Thayer of Caro; four children and their spouses, Bill & Barb Thayer of Caro, Betsy & David Simon of Bella Vista, Arkansas, Gayle Stebbins of Jenison, Rob & Sue Thayer of Parchment; fifteen grandchildren and their spouses, Joshua and his fiancé, Jennifer, Westin and his friend, Christa, Carson Thayer, Ayla Thayer, Tim & Valerie Simon, Dan & Patricia Simon, Bob & Katy Simon, Mike & Heather Simon, Shanna & Josh Corner, Bethany & Dave Ippel, Nick Stebbins, Nathan & Katie Stebbins, Austin Stebbins, Brad Thayer, Kate Thayer; eleven great-grandchildren; six siblings and their spouses, Lois & Dick Langtry of Flint, Audrey Scott of Portland, Phyllis & Elwood Hardy of Boyne City, Patti & Chuck Snedeker of Lake Forest, California, Chuck Thayer of East Jordan, Don & Marilyn Thayer of Boyne City; and many nieces and nephews. Bob was preceded in death by two children, infant twins in 1959; and five siblings, Richard Thayer, Bill Thayer, Jane Allen, Irvin Thayer and Charlotte Annley White. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, March 17, 2014 at the Caro United Methodist Church with Rev. Dorothy Thon officiating. Military honors will follow at the church under the auspices of the Fairgrove VFW Post #7486 and the United States Army. The family will receive friends at the Ransford Collon Funeral Home in Caro on Sunday from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and at the church on Monday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 11:00 a.m. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorial contributions to the Bethel United Methodist Church, Caro United Methodist Church or the charity of the donor’s choice. The family was assisted with these arrangements by the Ransford Collon Funeral Home of Caro. Friends may share memories, thoughts and prayers online at www.RansfordCollon.com.