Col. John Michael "Mike" Thackston, USA, Ret.
March 29, 1962 ~ August 18, 2019
On Sunday night, August 18th, 2019, John M. (Mike) Thackston passed away at the age of 57. Mike was born on March 29th, 1962, in Tulsa, Oklahoma to Dewey and Barbara Thackston.
After graduating from IUPUI, he enlisted in the US Army in 1985, attended Officer Candidate School, and commissioned as an Armor Officer. He then transitioned to an Intelligence Officer and deployed to Saudi Arabia in support of Operation Desert Storm. He earned a Masters Degree in International Relations from Indiana University in 1996 while still on Active Duty. He was a graduate of the Post Graduate Intelligence Program, US Army Command General Staff School, and the US Army War College. He served for 27 years across 17 duty stations before retiring as a Colonel. His awards include: the Bronze Star, four Defense Meritorious Service Medals, and the US Army Meritorious Service Medal. After retirement, Mike and his wife Joellen returned to the city where the met, Indianapolis . He was known by his friends for his dry humor, knowledge of history, and his passion for cooking. Mike will be missed dearly by his family and friends.
Michael is preceded in death by his father, Dewey, and his mother, Barbara. He is survived by his wife, Joellen (Seyfried) Thacktston, his sons Kyle and Colin (Shelly) Thackston, his siblings Jeffery Thackston and Mindy (Tim) Snell, and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.
Family and friends will gather to celebrate Mike’s life on Wednesday, August 21, 2019 from 2:00 to 6:00 P.M. in the Daniel F. O’Riley Funeral Home, 6107 South East Street, Indianapolis. The funeral service will begin at 6:00 P.M. at the funeral home on Wednesday. In lieu of flowers please donate to these charities that Mike was passionate about supporting. Tummies, Minds and Spirits,http://www.tummiesmindsspirits.com, https://teamexpansion.org/mindysnell/, or http://www.unomasministry.com; envelopes will be provided at the funeral home on Wednesday. Please visit www.ORileyFuneralHome.com to leave an online condolence for the Thackston family.
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Precious family Barbara Thackston Rendel and I share our love and prayers. We are sorry we cannot be there in person Wednesday. We thank God for precious memories. We hold on to the faith in Jesus who said I am the resurrection and the life…..absent from the body present with the Lord. Wally Rendel.
We remember Mike Thackston with joy. Our family was blessed to have his father, Dewey, as our minister at the Plainfield Christian Church . During those years Mike transitioned from a child to a young adult. He was filled with great ideas and plans which he set out to fulfill. Our world has become a little brighter from the glow of Mike’s presence in it. It is our prayer that God will bless his family with many opportunities to glorify Christ and to know a sense of peace that only Christ can give. Because of Christ we love, Revenna Richrdson and family
Mike is the brother that I never had. Most of my stories about anything 'questionable' that I did as a kid starts with something like … 'Well, one time Mike and I …'. Brother, I miss you more than I could imagine, though I am relieved that you are no longer suffering. And that you mentioned Tummies, Minds & Spirits — my wife’s veritable life blood — as a charity for memorial contributions is testament to your character and your giving nature.
Until we meet again, my friend.
Mike Thackston sang “How Great Thou Art” before my late hubby, Julio Lubag, preached at Filipino American Christian Church, Shoreline , years ago. We were all deeply touched by Mike’s song and his voice. My condolences to the family. May God’s arms of comfort and his peace dwell in your hearts. May God give you all enabling in body and spirit at this time of grief. Our consolation is: To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. Lita Lubag, Lynnwood, WA
We are blessed to have Mike in our lives. Love & Prayers to Joellen and Mike’s family. We will miss you Mike. Marvelle & Walt Robichaud
Col. Mike Thackston, CAP, not only was my good friend at our church but my cadet commander in the Civil Air Patrol – Weir Cook unit where Dewey, his father, was our Chaplain. I appreciated his lively nature and fun spirit. Mike would get low to the ground bouncing back and forth and with his hand in a karate chop motion saying “you take ‘em out at the knees.” He always did so with a smile on his face. Mike our pastors son and family friend always brought light to my day. Thanks Col Mike for your friendship and guidance. Condolences to the family WO cadet CAP, and USAFA nominee And personal friend, John Smith. (2 of 4 receiving nominations to the armed services academy under Mike attended)
Mike was always very friendly and supportive.
Mike had such a dynamic personality and passion for life which I admired most about him. Going through our church experience and high school youth group at PCC with him and with his family gave my siblings and I many cherished memories. I will never forget getting to fly with him in control of a small Cessna. What an experience! He truly loved CAP and everything about it! I cannot put into words that knowing him and his family made such a positive influence on my life. Mike will be missed by so many. Katherine (Smith) Buis
Thanks for this loving tribute.