Col. John Michael "Mike" Thackston, USA, Ret.

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.