Rev. H. "Gene" Thrasher

Rev. H. "Gene" Thrasher, age 96, was promoted to Heaven Saturday evening, March 27, 2021, from St. James, Missouri Veteran's Home.  Rev. Thrasher was the firstborn of nine children, on February 5, 1925, in Bethalto, Illinois, to Olney Edward and Lona Lea (Harlan) Thrasher. 

He is survived by his beloved wife and life teammate, A. Elaine (Wilkins) Thrasher. Three children:  Rev. Mick (& Sharon) Thrasher, Pastors of St. James, MO, First Assembly of God; Carol Holem, Pastoral Staff at First Assembly of God, Jefferson City, MO; Deborah (& Rev. Richard) Crabb, Missionaries to Germany.

As a boy Rev. "Gene" Thrasher attended the East Alton, Illinois Assembly of God.

After marriage Rev. Thrasher was a deacon and Sunday School Superintendent in the Cottage Hills, Illinois, Assembly of God, before becoming an Assemblies of God Full-time Minister.

Rev. Thrasher was ordained over 55 years with the Assemblies of God, serving as Pastor at Bunker Hill, and Villa Hills (Belleville), while in Illinois.   He then from the ages of 65-75 became an Evangelist with his wife Elaine, traveling many states winning souls to the Lord, leading churches in Revival.   At age 75 Bro. and Sis. Thrasher moved to St. James, MO to be by their son Mick.  In Missouri, he served as Pastor at Steelville, Davisville, Ellington, and Newburg, Missouri.  Just recently he was still talking about desiring to work for the Lord. 

His ministry was joyful, anointed, and Evangelistic in style.   He wrote songs and poems, and after beginning Piano lessons in his late 40's he and Elaine incorporated the God given Music talent of singing and playing the piano into those Revival services.  Many souls came to Christ and many received the Baptism with the infilling of the Holy Spirit after preaching powerfully.  

"Gene" Thrasher was a World War II, Battle of the Bulge Veteran, receiving the Bronze Star, a recognition of his heroic achievement.

Rev. Thrasher was a very studious Minister, and in addition, formal studies in the German Language were done at Southern Illinois University. Later, he took a Europe Missions trip with the Full Gospel Business Men.  This was just the beginning to many years of further studies at home not only in the German Language but, the Spanish Language as well.   All for the purpose of winning souls.  He was planning a Missions trip to Germany when he had his first heart attack stopping his plans. 

The family tells the big story of Pastor Thrasher's discipline of prayer, straight living, taking time with his children and grandchildren to give them good solid Biblical training and "time" for the Holy Spirit to work and mold their lives.   He taught to stay full of the Holy Spirit and the importance of praying in tongues daily.  The Thrasher family is represented both in Illinois and Southern Missouri Districts of the Assemblies of God.

The six grandchildren are: Michael (& Susanne) Thrasher and sons, ( Nixa, MO Assembly of God) A/God Chaplain Stephen (& Christi) Holem and children (Marion, IL Assembly of God) Joy (& David) Kirby and family (Oak Grove, Central, and James River, MO Assemblies of God) Rev. Mark (& Deshae) Thrasher and daughter (Pastors Malden, MO Assembly of God) Carol (& Matt) Fitzlaff and children (Staff at James River, MO Assembly of God) Major Jonathan (& JoAnn) Holem and children (Jefferson City, MO First Assembly of God)

There are 17 Great-Grandchildren and 1 Great-Great Grandchild

Bro. H. "Gene" Thrasher always gave the Lord all the credit for any ministry accomplishments, and the work of the Holy Spirit working through him to see so many touched through his God-given ministry. He has now completed his last chapter on Earth.  Now the first chapter of life in Heaven begins.

Mr. Thrasher will lie in state at 9:00 a.m. Tuesday, March 30, 2021, at the First Assembly of God in St. James, MO.

Funeral Services will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, March 30, 2021, at the First Assembly of God Church in St. James with Mick Thrasher, officiating. Burial with full Military Honors will be conducted at 3:00 p.m. Tuesday, March 30, 2021, at the Bethalto United Methodist Church Cemetery, in Bethalto, Illinois.

Cards of condolences may be entered at www.jonesfunerals.com

All arrangements are under the direction of the Jones Funeral Home in St. James, MO.

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