David Thayer
David Alan Thayer of Garden, Michigan, lost his four-year battle with cancer. Born in Flint, MI on February 20, 1953, he died peacefully in his sleep at his residence on May 4, 2026. He was preceded in death by his parents Harold “John” and Delores “Geri” Thayer.
He is survived by his daughter, Abigail J’taime Thayer of Billings, MT; three sisters, Carol Dew of Goodrich, MI, Sue Everett of Gilbert, AZ, and Diane Spencer of Manistee, MI; three nieces, two nephews, one grandniece, and two grandnephews.
David earned his BS degree in Business Administration from Central Michigan University in 1975 and his MPA from Northern Michigan University in 1998. David’s lifelong career was in local government service. He worked for the Michigan House of Representatives in Lansing for 11 years. He served with the Oakland County OLSHA in Pontiac for Four years. He led the American Red Cross Biomedical Services in Petoskey for four years. David then directed the County of Marquette OSA, serving four years. He led the 2000 U.S. Census for the Upper Peninsula. David served as city manager in the cities of Lexington, Grayling, and Iron River for five years each. He retired in 2020.
David had a long connection to the Hale-South Branch area. He was a charter member of the Hale Eagles Aerie #4217. David took immense pride in being a father to Abigail and sharing his knowledge of hunting and fishing. Being an avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed ice fishing, geese and deer hunting, and just taking a walk in the woods.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be given to Hale Eagles Aerie #4217
Arrangements are entrusted to Fausett Family Funeral Homes. Funeral service and burial have taken place. David’s legacy of service, love for family, and passion for the outdoors will be cherished and remembered by all who knew him.