TRAVERSE CITY — Everell D. Thayer Jr., 87, of Lake Ann and formerly of Grand Rapids, died Sunday evening, Nov. 27, 2011, at Munson Medical Center.Born Aug. 20, 1924, in Lansing, he was the son of the late Everell and Dorothy (Game) Thayer. On Oct. 24, 1947, in Greenville, he married the former Florence Bell who survives.He was a proud veteran, and was honorable discharged after serving with the United States Army and fighting the Battle of the Bulge during World War II.He retired as a Purchasing Agent for the Tenacle Corp. in Grand Rapids where he was employed for 36 dedicated years.While living in Grand Rapids, Everell was a member of St. James Catholic Church and was currently a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church in Traverse City.His interests were vast and varied. He was a talented square dancer, a gifted fisherman and golfer and a extensive worldwide traveler.Everell will be fondly remember as a man of deep faith, a hard worker and a great provider to his large family. His legacy of love and compassion will truly live on for generations to come.In addition to his wife of 64 years, Florence, Everell is also survived by his children, Richard (Linda) Thayer, David (Sandra) Thayer, Jane (Gerald) Yost, Joan (Michael) Mysliwiec, Jeanne (Rodney) Stricker, Janet (William) Ogden, Mary Henning, Andrew (Lisa) Thayer, Betty (Patrick) Smith, Carla Thayer, Everell R. (Cheryl) Thayer and Homero (Lillian) Peyrot; siblings, Robert Thayer and Jeanne (Edward) Gerulis; 45 grandchildren; 48 great-grandchildren; special relatives, Jim and Ina Bell, and Bob Jorgenson; along with many nieces, nephews and dear friends.He was preceded in death by an infant brother, Richard Thayer; son, Anthony Thayer; grandson, Phillip Smith; great-grandson, Christopher Milan; and special relatives Pauline Bell Jorgensen and Ken Bell. Friends may call at St. Patrick Catholic Church on Thursday, Dec. 1, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. when the family will receive friends. A rosary will be prayed at 7:30 p.m.A funeral Mass will be celebrated at the church on Friday, Dec. 2, at 11 a.m. with visitation one hour prior to the service. The Rev. Donald Geyman will serve as the celebrant. Full military honors under the auspices of the V.F.W. Cherryland #2780 will follow. Private graveside services will take place at Grand Traverse Memorial Gardens.In remembrance of Everell, memorials may be directed to the Food Pantry at St. Patrick Catholic Church. Envelopes may be obtained at the church.The Thayer Family would like to extend a special thank you to Glen Eagle Retirement Community and Munson Medical Center for the kind, loving and wonderful care given to Everell. Kindly share your memories with the family on their online questbook at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.comArrangements were made with the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home.