Walter "Sonny" E. Thayer

Walter E. "Sonny" Thayer, 81, of Riverside Drive, Carlsbad, NM, passed away June 10, 2015 at his home. Visitation will be 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM, Monday, June 15, 2015 at Denton-Wood Funeral Home. Funeral services are scheduled for Tuesday, June 16, 2015, 2:30 PM, at First Assembly of God Church with Pastor Brad Coates officiating. Interment will follow in Carlsbad Cemetery, Carlsbad, New Mexico. Denton-Wood Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Walter E. "Sonny" Thayer was born May 7, 1934 in Carlsbad, New Mexico to Walter and Annabelle (Jones) Thayer. He graduated from Carlsbad High School in 1952 and received an engineering degree from NMSU. Walt married Linda J. Burns January 31, 1960 here in Carlsbad. He went to work for IMC where he worked over 34 years and retired as plant manager. Walt thoroughly enjoyed his family and later treasured the time spent with his grandchildren. He loved music, hunting, traveling and "scheduling." He was preceded in death by his parents. Survivors are his wife, Linda Thayer of Carlsbad, NM; three daughters: Jerri Jackson of Carlsbad, NM, Melissa Smith and husband, Gary of Lubbock, TX, Pamela Arnwine of Carlsbad, NM; seven grandchildren: Jeremy Bowen and wife, Michelle, Bryce Jackson, Baylie Jackson, Christian Smith and wife, Hilary, Jansen Smith, Alli Arnwine, Alyssa Arnwine; great-granddaughter, Sydney Smith; Mary Lou Otts and husband, James, Annalee Azzinaro and husband, Sam and numerous nieces and nephews. Pallbearers are Jeremy Bowen, Bryce Jackson, Christian Smith, Jansen Smith, Steve Azzinaro and David Azzinaro. Honorary pallbearers will be Gary Smith and Boz Green. Memorial contributions may be made to Faith, Hope and Love Foundation, 1108 West Pierce Street, Carlsbad, NM 88220. Condolences may be expressed at dentonwood.com.